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Along the most popular thoroughfares 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 junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

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

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."