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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, 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 "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."