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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."