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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior 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 "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."