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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, 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 placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."