🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

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

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body 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 "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."