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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted 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.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated 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 is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local 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 lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."