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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre 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 the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures 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 closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."