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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework 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 frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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 Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."