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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."