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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" 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 aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."