It was an eventful year in the city as the Commonwealth Games returned to the city, financial companies readied themselves for the ‘Big Bang’, and Heart of Midlothian came within a whisker of lifting the Scottish league title, only to blow it on the final day of the season.
Also in 1986, the city’s iconic pooch, Greyfriars Bobby, was put back on his pedestal following a restoration of his statue.
Scroll through our picture gallery for a nostalgic trip back to 1986 – and let us know your own memories in the comments section before you go.
1. Day of the tripods
The Commonwealth Games 1986 sponsored signs go up in Princes Street Edinburgh, June 1986 - this sign reads: Making Friends Throughout the World and is sponsored by Johnny Walker whisky. Photo: Alan Macdonald
2. Thatcher era inflation
American artist Vera Simons created an inflatable sculpture for the National Gallery of Scotland during Edinburgh Festival 1986 Photo: Stan Warburton
3. Sam Fox at Coasters
Model and former Page Three girl Samantha Fox in Edinburgh for the opening of newly-refurbished Coasters complex at Fountainbridge. Picture taken March 1986. Photo: Alex Brown
4. Gap in the marquee
Tents and marquees were set up in the Castle terrace gap site for Fringe performances during Edinburgh festival 1986. Photo: Joe Steele