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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business 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 project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."