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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

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.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

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

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."