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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, 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 narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, 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 Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."