The city’s world-famous Hogmanay street party was at its peak. A free event in those days, celebrations that year were recognised by the Guinness Book of Records at the world's largest New Year party, with a staggering 400,000 people in attendance.
A young Stephen Hendry was in his pomp. The snooker ace, from South Queensferry, received the Evening News’ sports personality of the year award in 1996, which surely takes equal pride of place alongside the seven World Snooker Championship titles on his mantelpiece.
Scroll through our photo gallery, and be taken back to 1996.
1. Edinburgh snow 1996
Heavy snow hits the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in February 1996. Photo: UNKNOWN
2. Traffic chaos in Edinburgh
Heavy traffic and diversions were not a new thing in Edinburgh in 1996. Photo: UNKNOWN
3. Festival Cavalcade
Big crowds turned out to see the 1996 Festival Cavalcade. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHAN
4. EIS demo
The 1996 Educational Institue of Scotland march saw teachers, pupils and parents come together to demonstrate over cuts in education. Photo: BILL HENRY