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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly 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 historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

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.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."