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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."