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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started 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

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless 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 £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential 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 structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been extremely complicated."