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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

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

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."