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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak 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 left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."