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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."