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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot 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 modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."