🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."