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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, 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 "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."