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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."