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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate 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 perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."