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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."