🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

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

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."