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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."