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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

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

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."