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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits 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 a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops 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 proved to be extremely complicated."