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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly 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 junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."