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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council 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 got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead 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 "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."