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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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 seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."