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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, 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 "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."