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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants 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 persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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 pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."