What's Happening with Edinburgh's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."