With 2023 just days old, we’ve delved into our archives to find photos from 2003, to remember what life was like in Edinburgh 20 years ago.
One highlight that year in the Capital was the MTV Europe Awards, held in a big top tent at Ocean Terminal, with music stars including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and host Christina Aguilera in attendance.
1. Looking back
Edinburgh welcomed the MTV Awards (top right) and the tall ships (bottom left) in 2003. Photo: sub
2. Forth One Awards
Now a popular annual event, the Forth One Awards began in 2003, pictured at the inaugural ceremony are radio DJ Scott Willson, Hearts legend Craig Levein, sport award winner Keith Forster, Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings and radio DJ Grant Stott.
Photo by Rob McDougall. Photo: Rob McDougall
3. Council leader
Council Leader Donald Anderson is pictured meeting with members of Unison outside the city council chambers as they handed in a petition in December 2003. The petition contained the names of 405 Edinburgh children, who the union claim have not been allocated to a specific social worker. The union presented the names of the children and their families to the city leader ahead of a crunch meeting over plans to axe the social work Department. Photo by Neil Hanna. Photo: Neil Hanna
4. Dalkeith fire
A large fire broke out at Forrest Furnishing Warehouse in Dalkeith. Firefighters are pictured clearing up after the suspected arson attack. Photo by Cate Gillon, Photo: Cate Gillon