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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up 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 first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."