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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators 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 pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."