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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."