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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."