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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."