The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group 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 "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."