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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."