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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."