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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."