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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."