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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."