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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, 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 "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

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 initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn 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 "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."