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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted 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 fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."