17 more photos transporting you back to Edinburgh in 1989
As the 1980s drew to a close, Edinburgh was looking to the new decade – while facing poll tax protests and the perennial traffic problems.
Following the completion of Gilmerton junction, 1989 witnessed the finishing touches being applied to Edinburgh’s new ring road – the A720 City Bypass.
In the city centre, fresh developments included a new financial hub, Saltire Court, being constructed at the notorious Castle Terrace gap-site, and the city’s first ever purpose-built mosque in the Southside.
There was sporting success too. Hearts came within a whisker of reaching the UEFA Cup semi finals, narrowly losing out over two legs against German cracks Bayern Munich following an historic 1-0 victory at Tynecastle.
The city was in jubilant mood on November 5, 1989. Nothing to do with Guy Fawkes – Scotland had just qualified for the 1990 World Cup.
But there was sadness towards the end of the year too.
In October, the Guthrie Street gas explosion caused the collapse of a tenement and claimed the lives of 21-year-old student Nicola Donnelly and 35-year-old lecturer Peter Small.
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There was sporting success too. Hearts came within a whisker of reaching the UEFA Cup semi finals, narrowly losing out over two legs against German cracks Bayern Munich following an historic 1-0 victory at Tynecastle.
5. Archaos circus performers 1989
Two performers from the controversial French circus Archaos preview their Edinburgh Festival Fringe act in August 189.
Photo: Joe Steele
6. Firemen at Guthrie Street gas explosion 1989
Rescue workers from the Fire Service, brought in to look for survivors of the Guthrie Street gas explosion, which killed two people and destroyed two tenements in Edinburgh's Old Town in October 1989. Firemen pull personal belongings from the debris.
Photo: Hamish Campbell Alan Macdonald
7. Kylie Minogue in Edinburgh 1989
Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue smiles for the photographer before getting into her car in Edinburgh airport in October 1989.
Photo: Crauford Tait
8. Morrison Street 1989
The Morrison Street/Haymarket gap-site showing the CDL car park, in Edinburgh, October 1989.
Photo: Bill Stout