The Situation with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

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

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."