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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."