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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist 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 scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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 design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

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