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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."