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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Further Delays

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

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."