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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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 pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

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

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."