🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection 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 single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."