The Situation with Edinburgh's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops 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 been extremely complicated."