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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight 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 shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long 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 intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."