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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."