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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

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

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."