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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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 taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."