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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."