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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."