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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."