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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential 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 framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."