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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."