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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."