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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."