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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected 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 main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."