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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."