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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."