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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."