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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

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

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

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

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."