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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."