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

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Remedial efforts began soon 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 sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."