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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

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

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."