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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."