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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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 removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."