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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."