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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

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