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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, 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, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile 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 compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."