🔗 Share this article What's Happening with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel? The metal framework enveloping the hotel on a central thoroughfare may not be fully removed until 2027. Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework. For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight. Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building. Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027. Prolonged Deadlines The main contractor, the primary firm, 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 council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive". What is happening with this apparently perpetual project? Scaffold-free - how the hotel looks in its intended state on the hotel's website. A Problematic Past The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009. Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum. Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022. A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development. People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage. Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024. In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better". It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business. Pictures show the G&V Hotel during development in September 2008 (left) and the scaffolding beginning in 2020 (right). Missed Deadlines An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year. But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback. "We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read. "Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community." Local and Conservation Frustration A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development. She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape. She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult. "It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative." Pedestrians have been obliged to walk down a tight covered walkway on the affected thoroughfare. Continued Work A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing. They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops. "This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable." The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project. She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups. "However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."