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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."