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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith 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 covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work began 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.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."