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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

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

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

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication 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 close of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."