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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to 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 blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."