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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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