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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."