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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."