🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected 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 lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."