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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced 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.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

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