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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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 removed.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures 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 shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."