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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started 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.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."