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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."