🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city 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 the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."