Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.
Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.
Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.
A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".
What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?
The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.
Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.
Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.
Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.
Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.
A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.
In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".
It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.
An report 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, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.
"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.
"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."
A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.
She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.
She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.
"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."
A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.
They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.
"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size 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 "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.
She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.
"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."
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