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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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 Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body 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 disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."