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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."