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

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."