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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, 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 first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses 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 hugely complex."