The Situation with Edinburgh's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."