The Capital’s world-famous Hogmanay street party was at its peak.
A free event in those days, celebrations that year were recognised by the Guinness Book of Records at the world's largest New Year party, with approximately 400,000 people in attendance.
A young Stephen Hendry was in his pomp. The snooker pro, from South Queensferry, received the Evening News’ sports personality of the year award in 1996, which surely takes equal pride of place alongside the seven World Snooker Championship titles on his mantelpiece.
Scroll through our picture gallery, and be taken back to 1996.

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Trainspotting was a huge hit when it opened in cinemas in 1996. Photo: Third Party

. Scotland v Wales
Gregor Townsend takes the brunt of the Welsh charge in the Scotland v Wales rugby game, 19 Feb 1996 Photo: IAN RUTHERFORD

. Festival Cavalcade
Big crowds turned out to see the 1996 Festival Cavalcade. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHAN

. Hogmanay squeeze
Revellers celebrating New Year on Princes street at The Mound with Edinburgh Castle in the background. There were a reported 400,000 people in attendance. Photo: GRAHAM HAMILTON

. Waverley Shopping Centre
The Waverley Shopping Centre, now Waverley Mall, looked very different in 1996. Photo: JON SAVAGE

. Kevin Harper scores
Kevin Harper scores Hibs first goal against Dundee United at Easter Road in 1996. Photo: Jeremy Stockton

. A costly blaze
Firefighters try to dampen a fire at the Poundstretcher store at the Fort Kinnaird Retail Park on February 5 1996. Photo: Unknown

. Hendry wins again
Stephen Hendry wins the Evening News Sports Personality Award for 1996 Photo: BILL HENRY

. Tony Blair in Edinburgh
Future prime minister Tony Blair at the Scottish Labour Party Conference, Edinburgh 1996. Photo: IAN RUTHERFORD

. EIS demo
The 1996 Educational Institue of Scotland march saw teachers, pupils and parents come together to demonstrate over cuts in education. Photo: BILL HENRY

1. Traffic chaos in Edinburgh
Heavy traffic and diversions were not a new thing in Edinburgh in 1996. Photo: UNKNOWN

2. Festival Cavalcade
Big crowds turned out to see the 1996 Festival Cavalcade. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHAN

3. EIS demo
The 1996 Educational Institue of Scotland march saw teachers, pupils and parents come together to demonstrate over cuts in education. Photo: BILL HENRY

4. Hogmanay Funfair
Edinburgh Hogmanay Fun Fair in Waterloo Place, 1996. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHEN