🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen 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 very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."