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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."