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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

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

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."