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

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."