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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead 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 "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."