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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon 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 sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the Cockburn 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 "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."