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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, 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, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic 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 left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" 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" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."