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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts 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 large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

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

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."