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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."