Though it’s been partially closed since 2018 for repairs, traditionally North Bridge has performed a vital role in conveying the bulk of traffic between the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, which it was built to link.
Having replaced an older stone bridge constructed in the 1770s, the current incarnation of the bridge was opened in 1897, and its south west extent was famously home to The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News for much of the 20th century.
We have dug deep through the picture archives to bring you 19 photos showing the historic North Bridge through the years.

. North Bridge down the decades
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 19 amazing images of Edinburgh's North Bridge down the decades. Photo: Third Party

. Car stuck in snow 1978
A kind traffic warden pushes a car on North Bridge during the blizzards in Edinburgh, January 1978. Photo: Jack Crombie

. The Scotsman Building at night
North Bridge and The Scotsman offices at night, 1998. Photo: IAN RUTHERFORD

. Arnotts store 1981
Exterior of Arnotts department store on North Bridge Edinburgh, August 1981. Photo: Unknown

. Women in summer dresses in Edinburgh
Four women with summer dresses on make their way to work on North Bridge, Edinburgh, 1960s. Photo: Albert Jordan

. Roadworks on North Bridge 1992
Workmen digging up the road at North Bridge in Edinburgh, June 1992. Photo: Colin McPherson



13. Francois Mitterand in Edinburgh 1992
French president Francois Mitterand (wearing hat) in North Bridge Edinburgh during the European Summit 1992. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood

14. Edinburgh snow storm
Buses struggle through the blizzard on North Bridge during a snow storm in Edinburgh in April 1968. Photo: Crauford Tait & Jack Crombie

15. Ian Rankin on North Bridge
Rebus author Ian Rankin walking across North Bridge in 2006. Photo: Neil Hanna/TSPL

16. Scotsman and Evening News
The exterior of The Scotsman and Evening News newspaper offices on North Bridge Edinburgh. Photo: TSPL