The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management 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 hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."