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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre 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 Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade 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 setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."