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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

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