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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, 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 squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."