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

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

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

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."