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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."