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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."