It was a year when the city witnessed poll tax protests and (some things never change!) and traffic problems aplenty.
After the completion of Gilmerton junction, 1989 saw the finishing touches applied to Edinburgh’s new ring road – the A720 City Bypass, and there was drama on the football pitch as Hearts came agonisingly close to reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals, narrowly losing out over two legs against German giants Bayern Munich following a 1-0 win at Tynecastle.
In October, the Guthrie Street gas explosion led to 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.
9. Castle Terrace 'hole in the ground' 1989
Looking down into the notorious 'hole in the ground' at Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, September 1989. Photo: Rod Fleming
10. Pedal car in Toys R Us 1989
Two-year-old Kieran Casey in his pedal car, amazed at all the toys on sale in the Toys R Us superstore in Edinburgh, September 1989. Photo: Alan Macdonald
11. Archaos circus performers 1989
Two performers from the controversial French circus Archaos preview their Edinburgh Festival Fringe act in August 189. Photo: Joe Steele
12. Morrison Street 1989
The Morrison Street/Haymarket gap-site showing the CDL car park, in Edinburgh, October 1989. Photo: Bill Stout