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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts 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

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."