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.
5. 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
6. Bus smash at Russell Street
Bus smash at Russell Street, Edinburgh.A SMT double decker with Hearts fans on board crashed into the low railway bridge. Photo taken on 16/3/96. Photo: BILL HENRY
8. 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