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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."