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.
13. Charity readathon 1986
L-r: Kim Betney (10) and Jennifer Douglas (11) took part in a sponsored readathon at James Thin's bookshop in aid of the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund charity in October 1986. Photo: Bill Stout
14. Close encounters
A photographer in Mary King's Close, the entrance to which was revelaled by workmen digging up the floor of Edinburgh City Chambers - picture taken in October 1986. The 16th century remains are now a popular tourist attraction. Photo: Stan Warburton Joe Steele
15. Walk the line
People queuing outside the TSB , Rose Street, Edinburgh 1986. Photo: Hamish Campbell
16. The lady's for turning round
The Press shadows Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher visiting the Games village during the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games 1986, held at Meadowbank stadium. Photo: Hamish Campbell