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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain 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.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."