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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

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

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."