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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."