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

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."