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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."