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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project 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 pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."