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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes 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 street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."