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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed 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.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."