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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."