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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure 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 covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."