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

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, 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 "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."