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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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 build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."