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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started 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.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."