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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."