A spokesman for Argyll and Bute said MacLays Civil Engineering have estimated that phase two (Colquhoun Square) will be completed by the end of the month (Friday).

He added: “The contractor has forecast that phases three (Colquhoun Street North and East Princes Street, from Maitland Street to Sinclair Street) and four (Sinclair Street from West/East King Street to West/East Princes Street) will start at the beginning of September, with a view to completion by Christmas.

“Phase four (the bottom Sinclair Street) is expected to begin in the New Year.”