🔗 Share this article The Situation with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel? The metal framework encasing the hotel on a major city bridge may not be entirely dismantled until 2027. Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework. For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight. Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building. Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027. Extended Timelines The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed. A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive". What is going on with this seemingly endless project? As advertised - how the hotel appears without its covering on the company's website. A Troubled History The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009. Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m. Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022. A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work. Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor. A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024. In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience". It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business. Photographs show the the property during development in September 2008 (left) and the work beginning in 2020 (right). Slipped Schedules An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year. But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback. "We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read. "We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area." Local and Conservation Frustration A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development. She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape. She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging. "It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge." Tourists have been obliged to walk down a tight covered walkway on the affected thoroughfare. Continued Work A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress. They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises. "This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding 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 negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements. "However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."