While Glasgow was basking in its status as European Capital of Culture, there was plenty to celebrate in Edinburgh too.
Richard Branson visited the Capital to open a massive Virgin Megastore on Princes Street and journey times across the city were slashed with the opening of the Edinburgh City Bypass.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 18 incredible images of Edinburgh in 1990 – and please do let us know your own memories of that year in the comments section before you go.
5. Edinburgh City Bypass opens 1990
Traffic on the Edinburgh City Bypass road (A720) at its official opening in March 1990. Photo: Alan Macdonald
6. Waiting for a Hearts corner
Hearts v Hibs at Tynecastle in November 1990. Final score 1-1 draw. Photo: Jack Crombie
7. Community art
Community art - large balls painted black were set into the central reservation in Edinburgh's Leith Walk, April 1990. Photo: Denis Straughan
8. North Bridge paint job 1990
Edinburgh's North Bridge was renovated and painted blue and red in November 1990. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood