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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

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

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."