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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."