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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."