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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart 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 the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

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

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter 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 framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."