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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line 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 comment, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."