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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."