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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist 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 frame can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."