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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre 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 junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."