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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous 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.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body 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 "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

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