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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."