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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left 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 persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly 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 sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."