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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started 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 large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action 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 tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."