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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."