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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it 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 establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report 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 full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."