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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."