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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance 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 extremely complicated."