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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."