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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded 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 shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."