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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."