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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."