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

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts 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 significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."