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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."