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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line 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 management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."