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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."