🔗 Share this article

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."