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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

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

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."