1980s Edinburgh: 16 photos of Edinburgh in 1988, including release of The Proclaimers’ Sunshine On Leith album

Nineteen Eighty-Eight was a memorable year for the city of Edinburgh – and particularly so for the Port of Leith, which was put back on the map thanks to the release of The Proclaimers’ hit-packed second album.

Featuring now classic tracks such as I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Letter From America, Sunshine On Leith was the album that propelled Leith-born twins Craig and Charlie Reid to international stardom.

Elsewhere, the fizzy lager was flowing in Fountainbridge with the news that Australian firm Elders IXL’s plan to merge with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries had failed. The controversial bid had seen demonstrators travel down to London to make their feelings known.

Take a look through our gallery for 16 photo memories of Edinburgh in 1998 – and let us know your own recollections in the comments section before you go.

9. 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

Photo Sales

10. Rhino wearing horn warmer

Floosie the Edinburgh Zoo rhinoceros wears a specially-made rhino horn warmer to protect it from the cold in December 1988. Photo: Jack Crombie

Photo Sales

11. 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