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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."