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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"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."