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

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."