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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

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