🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly 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 pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."