The Ongoing Issue with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."