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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre 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 a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

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

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

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

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

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."