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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began 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 sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."