🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon 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 corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."