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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."