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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."