After the completion of Gilmerton junction, 1989 saw the finishing touches applied to Edinburgh’s new ring road – the A720 City Bypass. In the city centre, new developments included a new financial hub, Saltire Court, being constructed at the notorious Castle Terrace gap-site, and the city’s first ever purpose-built mosque in the Southside.
There was drama on the football pitch, too. Hearts came agonisingly close to reaching the UEFA Cup semis, narrowly losing out over two legs against German powerhouse Bayern Munich following a 1-0 win at Tynecastle.
Towards the end of the year, there was sadness. In October, the Guthrie Street gas explosion caused the collapse of a tenement, claiming the lives of 21-year-old student Nicola Donnelly and 35-year-old lecturer Peter Small.
Have a look through our photo gallery for a nostalgic trip back to 1989.
Towards the end of the year, there was sadness. In October, the Guthrie Street gas explosion caused the collapse of a tenement, claiming the lives of 21-year-old student Nicola Donnelly and 35-year-old lecturer Peter Small.
17. Mound Xmas tree arrives 1989
The Mound Christmas tree, Norway's present to Edinburgh, is delivered by lorry in November 1989. Photo: Iain White