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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."