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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city 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 George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began 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.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body 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 minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."