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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."