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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

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