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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist 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 structure can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, 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 involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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