🔗 Share this article

Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."