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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."