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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless 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 first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate 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 perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."