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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."