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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon 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 historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."