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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure 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 covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway 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 sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."