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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."