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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."