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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold 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 "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."