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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner 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 forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."