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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."