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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

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