🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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 going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."