While Glasgow was basking in its status as European Capital of Culture, there was plenty to celebrate in Edinburgh too.
Richard Branson visited the Capital to open a massive Virgin Megastore on Princes Street and journey times across the city were slashed with the opening of the Edinburgh City Bypass.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 18 incredible images of Edinburgh in 1990 – and please do let us know your own memories of that year in the comments section before you go.
17. Charlie Miller & Telethon 1990 model
Edinburgh hairdresser Charlie Miller joined 3000 hairdressers nationwide to raise cash for charity - Mr Miller with one of the models whose hair reads out Telethon 1990. Photo: Alan Macdonald
18. No traffic in High Street 1990
A view of the High Street in Edinburgh in August 1990, showing one of the 'pinch points' in a pedestrianised section of the Royal Mile. Photo: Hamish Campbell