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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

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.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."