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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital 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 a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long 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 corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

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