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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic 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 Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local 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 "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."