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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre 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 junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed 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 £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."