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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."