The city’s world-famous Hogmanay street party was at its peak. A free event back in those days, there were serious safety concerns, however, at the increasingly large crowds congregating on Princes Street year-on-year.
In 1996, it’s fair to say that social distancing was far from the minds of New Year’s Eve revellers. 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, a local lad, was crowned world champion for a sixth time.
Hendry received the Evening News’ sports personality of the year award in 1996, which we’re sure takes equal pride of place with his various professional snooker accolades above his fire place.
Elsewhere in sport, Hearts FC were shaping up well under new boss Jim Jefferies. The Gorgie side would finish 4th in the league and secure a place in the Scottish Cup Final.
Unfortunately the Jambos, the final would prove to be a step too far, with a rampant Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup-inspired Rangers side running out 5-1 winners.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the release of Trainspotting, here are 25 memories of Edinburgh as it was in 1996.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription at https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions.
. 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
. 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
. 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
9. Tony Blair in Edinburgh
Future prime minister Tony Blair at the Scottish Labour Party Conference, Edinburgh 1996. Photo: IAN RUTHERFORD
10. Festival crowds
Crowds in the High Street watching street performers during the 1996 Edinburgh Festival. Photo: TINA NORRIS
11. New signings
Hearts players L TO R Jeremy Goss, Neil McCann and David Weir. New signings in 1996. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHAN
12. Fibber Magees pub
Fibber Magees won the Evening News Pub of the year in 1996. Bar person Katherline Guthrie is pictured pulling a pint. Photo: JULIE BULL