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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."