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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."