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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits 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 plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."