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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."