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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."