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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."