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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"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."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."