Today, we’re looking back in Edinburgh as it was in 1988 – to see just how much Scotland’s capital city has changed in 36 years.
There was plenty going on, for sure. 1988 was notable for many things - and particularly so for the Port of Leith, which was put back on the map after the release of The Proclaimers’ second album. With now classic tracks such as I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Letter From America, Sunshine on Leith propelled twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid to international fame and recognition.
Elsewhere that year, the pints were flowing in Fountainbridge in after Aussie firm Elders IXL’s plan to merge with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries failed. The controversial bid had seen demonstrators travel down to London to make their feelings known.
Scroll through our photo gallery for a nostalgic trip back to 1988 – and let us know your own memories in the comments section before you go.
Elsewhere that year, the pints were flowing in Fountainbridge in after Aussie firm Elders IXL’s plan to merge with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries failed. The controversial bid had seen demonstrators travel down to London to make their feelings known.
![Doctors and nurses watch as a fireman on a ladder hoses the roof of City Hospital in Edinburgh, when fire destroyed the Nurses' Home and the bell tower in November 1988.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjgzMTRlNDVlLTA3YmItNGI4Mi04YWFjLTUzNmQyYmY3YjcxNTo4NjUyNDZmYS0xZjQ2LTQ2OWYtOTcyOC0xMWM5ZDRkNzFmNjU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. City Hospital fire 1988
Doctors and nurses watch as a fireman on a ladder hoses the roof of City Hospital in Edinburgh, when fire destroyed the Nurses' Home and the bell tower in November 1988.Photo: Alan Macdonald
![Children wait to board the Scottish Railway Preservation Society's 'Santa Special' steam train at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, in December 1988.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjhhYzI2N2RiLWNjM2ItNGRkMy1hMTEzLTgzYTlkNTNkZWQ2ZDpkZTNmYmZlOS1lZWM5LTQ3ZTctYjY2ZS04YTNlYzdlNDI5MTA=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Santa Special
Children wait to board the Scottish Railway Preservation Society's 'Santa Special' steam train at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, in December 1988.Photo: Bill Newton
![Members of Velez Mostar have a cup of tea after arriving at Edinburgh airport in November 1988. The Yugoslavian team were in the capital to play Hearts football team in the first leg of the UEFA Cup 3rd round.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjMzZmZiNWI1LWYzZWEtNDRiYi04ZTkyLWU1Y2I0ODRiMDliYzoyMTc3MDg1Yy0yYTM0LTQ4NmItOGFkOC1jNzA2OGVjYTdjYmY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Velez Mostar
Members of Velez Mostar have a cup of tea after arriving at Edinburgh airport in November 1988. The Yugoslavian team were in the capital to play Hearts football team in the first leg of the UEFA Cup 3rd round.Photo: Bill Stout
![Stars from Mother Goose pantomime visited children staying in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children over Christmas 1988.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmUzNTQwNDAyLTMwMzQtNGRjYS1hN2FiLTY3YWFhYWYzMzE5Njo2MWIzYjQ0Yi1lMDM1LTQ0ZWUtOTQxNS01YTAzODc5ZTQ5Zjk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Mother Goose visits Sick Kids
Stars from Mother Goose pantomime visited children staying in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children over Christmas 1988.Photo: Joe Steele