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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."