🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis 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.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."