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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions 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 "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."