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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity 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 large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, 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 chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."