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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain 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 structure can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."