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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."