🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, 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 "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

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

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."