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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been extremely complicated."