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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction 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 a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."