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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway 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 footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."