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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight 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.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."