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

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."