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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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 dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver 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 lessen 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 a try to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

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