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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

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 going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead 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 involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."