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

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain 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 removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."