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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing 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 "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."