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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain 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 frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."