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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been extremely complicated."