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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core 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 George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."