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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."