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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."