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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete 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 company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."