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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate 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 an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

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