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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."