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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."