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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."