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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced 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 blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."