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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."