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

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."