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On one of 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.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned 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 persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete 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 persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."