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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."