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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."