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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

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

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

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