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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."