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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption 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.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."