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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain 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 scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

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

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale 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 "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."