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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another 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 statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."