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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 construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."