🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."