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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

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

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."