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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated 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 earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association 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 "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."