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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."