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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, 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 "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."