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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it 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 establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis 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 Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the scaffold 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 "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within 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 added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."