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

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work 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.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."