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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."