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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned 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 stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group 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 reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."