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.
![In December 1988, the Niddry Street/High Street gap-site was confirmed as the location for a new Edinburgh hotel (then called the Scandic Crown), which is now known as the Crowne Plaza.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmEyYjY5NzRlLTk2Y2EtNGVhZC05Y2Y2LTYxMjRjNzUzODVlMjo1OTljZjExYi0wN2VmLTRmMjAtYTAyYS1iZTlmZWY5ZDY4YzA=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
13. Crowne Plaza gap-site 1988
In December 1988, the Niddry Street/High Street gap-site was confirmed as the location for a new Edinburgh hotel (then called the Scandic Crown), which is now known as the Crowne Plaza.Photo: Hamish Campbell
![Hibs' Gordon Rae (no 5) argues but the referee sends him off during the Hearts v Hibs Edinburgh derby football match at Tynecastle in November 1988. Final score 1-1 draw.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjBkZDdhNGRhLTQ0ZDQtNDZlZi1iYTQ3LTBkMGJkYzI3NGE5YjplMDI1OGI4Yi01Y2M3LTQ0NGMtYWI4Mi01YjhiNWY4N2NjZTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
14. Hearts v Hibs 1988
Hibs' Gordon Rae (no 5) argues but the referee sends him off during the Hearts v Hibs Edinburgh derby football match at Tynecastle in November 1988. Final score 1-1 draw.Photo: Hamish Campbell
![Lady Dunpark ('Butterfly Queen') and Rangers footballer Ally McCoist ('Dragonfly King') in fancy dress at the Sheraton hotel for the Butterfly Ball, in aid of the Marie Curie cancer care charity in December 1988.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmEyNmNhZGY2LTM5NjYtNGU3ZC1iNTgyLWNjNDI1MzQ1ZDQ3YzoyOTdjNWIxNC00MjY0LTQ3YzgtYTlhMS04YWM3NDU2OGUwZGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
15. Super Ally and a different kind of ball
Lady Dunpark ('Butterfly Queen') and Rangers footballer Ally McCoist ('Dragonfly King') in fancy dress at the Sheraton hotel for the Butterfly Ball, in aid of the Marie Curie cancer care charity in December 1988.Photo: Denis Straughan
![A little boy stretches out on the carpet at the annual Children's Art Competition held in the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Picture taken December 1988.](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjg4Mjg3ODE4LWJmMjUtNDExOC04NjJkLTEzN2I0OWY3ZTA5NzpmZjI0ZTgyNy0zY2RkLTRjMTctYmRiYi0zOGIyNTYyODFmNWU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
16. Art attack
A little boy stretches out on the carpet at the annual Children's Art Competition held in the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Picture taken December 1988.Photo: Denis Straughan