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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed 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 disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."