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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."