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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."