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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain 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 scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."