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

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators 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 the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."