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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."