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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."