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

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."