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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."