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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."