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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update 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 full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances 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 focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."