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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."