🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political 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 establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement 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 a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

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