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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."