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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."