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Along the most frequented avenues 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 junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."