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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."