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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed 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 started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."