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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence 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 postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

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