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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."