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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners 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 displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."