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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."