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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader 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 echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."