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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to 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 disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."