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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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 urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."