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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

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.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."