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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."