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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators 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 chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."