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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre 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 a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

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

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."