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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."