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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."