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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."