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

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Continued Work

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."