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.
5. Send in the cavalry
The proprietors of The Indian Cavalry Club, a new Indian restaurant in Atholl Place Edinburgh, opened it with a guard of honour on horseback in July 1980. Photo: Ian Brand
6. 'Allow me'
The doorman of Edinburgh's Caldeonian Hotel greets guests with a smile in June 1986. Photo: Stan Warburton
7. Care Bear in the community
A little girl talking to a Care Bear at the Evening News-sponsored Edinburgh Festival Cavalcade in Princes Street, August 1986. Photo: Denis Straughan
8. Unveiling Festival Square statue 1986
ANC member Mrs Suganya Chetty makes a speech at the unveiling of a statue dedicated to South African freedom Fighters in Festival Square Edinburgh. Picture taken July 1986. Photo: Jack Crombie