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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

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

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."