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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."