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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."