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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."