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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions 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 conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."