Mercifully, 1984 didn’t turn out to be quite as bleak as George Orwell predicted in his famous dystopian novel – but half a decade into the Thatcher era and unemployment was sky high in the UK.
In Edinburgh, Waverley Market and Cameron Toll shopping centres opened their doors, while the city had a visit from a man who would turn out to be the last ever leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see what Edinbugh life was like back in 1984.
1. Wimpy restaurant opened 1984
A new Wimpy restaurant opened at the corner of Castle Street and Princes Street in Edinburgh, May 1984. Photo: Stan Warburton
2. Mikhail Gorbachev in Edinburgh 1984
Mikhail Gorbachev visited Scotland in his role of Chairman for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Soviet Union in December 1984. Photo: Jack Crombie
3. Canoe in Roseburn Park 1984
A canoeist paddles through Roseburn Park swing park when the Water of Leith overflowed after flooding in Edinburgh, November 1984. Photo: Jack Crombie
4. Leith Walk 1984
Looking north-east towards the high-rise tower block Kirkgate House at the foot of Leith Walk in Edinburgh, November 1984. Photo: Crauford Tait