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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."