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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."