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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

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.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work 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.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative 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 Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."