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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."