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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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 sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."