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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

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

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."