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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street 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.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."