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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place 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 structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, 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 "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."