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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."