🔗 Share this article The Situation with Edinburgh's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel? Scaffolding surrounding the hotel on a central thoroughfare may not be completely taken down until 2027. Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms. For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore. Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building. Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027. Prolonged Deadlines The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled. A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive". What is happening with this apparently perpetual project? Scaffold-free - how the hotel looks in its intended state on the brand's website. Background Issues The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009. Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m. Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022. A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work. Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor. An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024. In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience". It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business. Images show the G&V Hotel being built in September 2008 (left) and the work beginning in 2020 (right). Slipped Schedules An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year. But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement. "We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read. "Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public." Local and Conservation Frustration Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works. She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic. She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging. "It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge." Tourists have been required to walk down a confined covered walkway on the affected thoroughfare. Project Response A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing. They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops. "This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible." The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project. She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups. "That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."