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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."