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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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

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

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."