In celebration of our 40th anniversary this year, we’re taking a look back at Edinburgh in 1986.
The big news that year – apart from VMH opening their offices! – was the XIII Commonwealth Games, held in Edinburgh, where Scotland secured five golds in a 33-medal tally, including Liz McColgan winning the first-ever women’s 10,000m gold.
Nights out were spent at Century 2000 on Lothian Road, Buster Brown’s in Market Street and Cinderella’s in Stockbridge, while standout concerts included AC/DC, A-ha, Sting and Five Star – all at the Playhouse – during 1986.
Shopping centred on the newly opened Waverley Market and iconic department store, Jenners on Princes Street, while cafe culture was in its infancy, with the then-new Coffee Bean on Station Road joining the established Rialto in Tollcross and Larry’s in Clerk Street.
On the Royal Mile, workmen digging up a floor in the City Chambers unearthed the entrance to the 16th century Mary King’s Close. Now a hugely popular tourist attraction, it’s a snapshot in time of the homes and lives of Edinburgh residents 500 years ago.
During the mid-1980s, Leith was in the early stages of regeneration, making it a very affordable area compared to central Edinburgh, with a 2-bed flat costing around £25,000 (as opposed to nearer £40,000 in more popular parts of the capital, according to historical espc figures). One of the first bonded warehouse conversions was the Cooperage on the Water of Leith at the Shore which was made into apartments in 1986. Currently VMH are offering a 1-bed bonded warehouse conversion at John’s Place for sale, with the cool EH6 neighbourhood consistently the most popular for one and two-bed flats in the city.
Meanwhile, in the Old Town, after much good-luck nose-rubbing, the statue of Greyfriars Bobby was restored!