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

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."