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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments 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 framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

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

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."