2000 Edinburgh: 27 nostalgic Edinburgh photos from Y2K, including the outrageous ‘shag tag' student night

By Gary Flockhart

Lifestyle Editor

Published 4th Nov 2022, 15:14 GMT

Updated 31st Oct 2023, 16:43 GMT

Twenty-three years have now passed since Edinburgh welcomed in the new millennium – hard to believe, isn’t it?

We’ve trawled through the picture archives to find 27 photos showing Auld Reekie as the city entered a brand new year, a fresh decade, a 21st century and a brand new millennium.

Take a look through our gallery for a nostalgic trip back in time.

Youngsters "paint" the numbers 2000 with sparklers as Millennium Hogmanay celebrations get underway in Edinburgh.

. 2000 with sparklers

Youngsters "paint" the numbers 2000 with sparklers as Millennium Hogmanay celebrations get underway in Edinburgh. Photo: NEIL HANNA

Juanjo was the hero for Hearts, as the Jambos finished the season on a high by defeating Hibs 2-1 at Tynecastle and qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

. Bragging rights

Juanjo was the hero for Hearts, as the Jambos finished the season on a high by defeating Hibs 2-1 at Tynecastle and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Photo: Tony Marsh

A bright sunny day for shopping on 20 April 2000.

. Shoppers on Princes Street

A bright sunny day for shopping on 20 April 2000. Photo: Sandy Young

The 'Reclaim the Streets' anti-capitalism demo hits Tollcross, 17 June 2000.

. Anti-capitalism demo

The 'Reclaim the Streets' anti-capitalism demo hits Tollcross, 17 June 2000. Photo: PAMELA GRIGG

The foot of Leith Walk pictured on 29 June 2000 prior to the £4m facelift of the Newkirkgate shopping centre.

. Foot of the Walk

The foot of Leith Walk pictured on 29 June 2000 prior to the £4m facelift of the Newkirkgate shopping centre. Photo: PAMELA GRIGG

Gaia night club on King Stables Road, which held 'shag tag' nights in 2000.

. Gaia

Gaia night club on King Stables Road, which held 'shag tag' nights in 2000. Photo: Julie Bull

Harry Potter author JK Rowling after she collected her honorary degree from Napier University, Thursday November 23 2000.

. JK honoured

Harry Potter author JK Rowling after she collected her honorary degree from Napier University, Thursday November 23 2000. Photo: David Cheskin

Gordon Thompson Director of The Californian Coffee Co. welcomes his first customer, Alec the Dalek , at the latest opening of his Police Box coffee stops in Rose Street.

. Dalek meets Tardis?

Gordon Thompson Director of The Californian Coffee Co. welcomes his first customer, Alec the Dalek , at the latest opening of his Police Box coffee stops in Rose Street. Photo: TONY MARSH

Council workers on Princes Street faced a huge task following Edinburgh's Millennium Hogmanay street party.

. The big clean up

Council workers on Princes Street faced a huge task following Edinburgh's Millennium Hogmanay street party. Photo: SANDY YOUNG

The Scotsman Publications headquarters, Barclay House, 108 Holyrood Road, 16 February 2000.

. Scotsman HQ

The Scotsman Publications headquarters, Barclay House, 108 Holyrood Road, 16 February 2000. Photo: BILL HENRY

Moby was the star attraction at Edinburgh Castle on Hogmanay 2000.

. Moby at Edinburgh Castle Hogmanay 2000..Pic Neil Hanna

Moby was the star attraction at Edinburgh Castle on Hogmanay 2000. Photo: Neil Hanna

Youngsters "paint" the numbers 2000 with sparklers as Millennium Hogmanay celebrations get underway in Edinburgh.

1. 2000 with sparklers

Youngsters "paint" the numbers 2000 with sparklers as Millennium Hogmanay celebrations get underway in Edinburgh. Photo: NEIL HANNA

Juanjo was the hero for Hearts, as the Jambos finished the season on a high by defeating Hibs 2-1 at Tynecastle and qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

2. Bragging rights

Juanjo was the hero for Hearts, as the Jambos finished the season on a high by defeating Hibs 2-1 at Tynecastle and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Photo: Tony Marsh

A bright sunny day for shopping on 20 April 2000.

3. Shoppers on Princes Street

A bright sunny day for shopping on 20 April 2000. Photo: Sandy Young

The 'Reclaim the Streets' anti-capitalism demo hits Tollcross, 17 June 2000.

4. Anti-capitalism demo

The 'Reclaim the Streets' anti-capitalism demo hits Tollcross, 17 June 2000. Photo: PAMELA GRIGG

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