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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."