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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."