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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."