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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

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

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform 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 "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."