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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience 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.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."