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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."