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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."