One of Edinburgh’s most famous buildings is set to emerge from behind scaffolding after more than two years.
The historic Jenners building on Princes Street has been undergoing a major restoration, with work carried out on its stonework, statues, windows and decorative glass.
External scaffolding will now be removed in stages over the winter, allowing the restored façade to be seen by the public.
The landmark former department store is being transformed as part of a 20,000 square metre redevelopment spanning four interconnected buildings and 12 floors.
Plans will bring new shops, hospitality and cultural spaces to the building, while retaining and restoring many of its historic features.
The famous gold signs have been restored and returned to the exterior.
Specialists have also worked on the 22 female caryatids and 12 statues which decorate the building, while every section of exterior stonework has been individually inspected.
Decorative and stained glass has been restored, while work has also been carried out on the roof, gutters and dormers.
Andrew Keith, managing director of The Jenners Building, said: “Over the coming months the façade will gradually re-emerge. Edinburgh is getting The Jenners Building back.”
He said there was still significant work to be completed inside the landmark, but progress was being made towards returning it to a central role in the city.
The building was acquired in 2017 by AAA United, a property company owned by Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen.
David Chipperfield Architects was appointed to develop the redevelopment plans in 2019, with planning permission granted in 2022. Construction began in 2024.
The Jenners business can trace its roots to 1838, when Kennington & Jenner opened on Princes Street.
Its original premises were destroyed by fire in 1892. Scottish architect William Hamilton Beattie designed the replacement, with the main building opening in 1895 and later expanding towards Rose Street.
Jenners became one of Edinburgh’s best-known shops and remained an independent department store until it was bought by House of Fraser in 2005.
The store closed during the Covid restrictions in December 2020 and did not reopen before House of Fraser formally ended its tenancy in May 2021.
The building was then hit by a serious fire in January 2023.
Firefighter Barry Martin, 38, died four days after suffering critical injuries while tackling the blaze. Four other firefighters were also taken to hospital.
The restoration has continued since then, with specialist craftspeople from across Scotland and the UK involved in bringing the Category A-listed landmark back to life.
The full redevelopment is not expected to be completed before 2029.