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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

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

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."