🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."