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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."