David Hume, famous philosopher and historian, is born in Edinburgh

Adam Smith, famous political economist, is born in Edinburgh

George II takes the throne after his father's death.

The Edinburgh Mob riots and hangs disgraced City Guard Captain John Porteous in the Grassmarket.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers becomes the first official golf club in recorded history

Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), grandson of James VII, briefly occupies the city with his Jacobite supporters and demands the surrender of the Castle. The Castle withstands and barrages the Prince.

Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces are eventually crushed at Culloden, after a foray into England.

George III is crowned.

A section of the Nor Loch is drained as work begins on the North Bridge. The rest of the Loch is eventually drained to form Princes Street Gardens.

Building begins on the New Town designed by James Craig.

Sir Walter Scott, famous novelist, is born in Edinburgh

After the first effort had collapsed, the redeveloped North Bridge is opened.

The beginnings of The Mound are seen, as tailor George Boyd makes a track of stones and planks to traverse the swamp that the Nor Loch left behind. After much dumping of rubbish from the building of the New Town, The Mound was eventually formed some years later.

The first foundation stone is laid for South Bridge.

South Bridge is opened to foot traffic

Deacon Brodie begins his second career as a burglar

Brodie is arrested in Holland, trying to flee to America. He is brought back to Edinburgh and hanged. Building on the South Bridge is completed

The Nelson Monument is built on Calton Hill to commemorate Nelson's victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.

George IV is crowned.

George IV makes a famous visit to Edinburgh, holding court in Holyroodhouse and adopting Highland dress. Building begins on Playfair's National Monument on Calton Hill, to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic wars. It is planned to be a full replica of the Parthenon, but funds run out and only a fragment is actually built. It becomes popularly known as "Edinburgh's Disgrace".

The Great Fire of Edinburgh burns the top half of the Royal Mile, even collapsing the wooden spire atop the Tron Kirk.

The Scottish Academy is founded to, amongst other aims, "have an annual exhibition open to artists of all merit". William Burke meets William Hare in Edinburgh.

Work begins on George IV Bridge.

Burke and Hare commit their infamous murders.

William Burke is hanged for multiple murders. Hare is set free for turning state's evidence against his partner. William III and IV is crowned.

Edinburgh's population has doubled from just 30 years ago as the Highland Clearances, the Irish Famine and mass unemployment in the countryside caused by the Industrial Revolution attract thousands of immigrants to the city.

George IV Bridge is opened.

Queen Victoria takes the throne.

The Scottish Academy is granted a royal charter and thereafter is known as the Royal Scottish Academy.

The New Town is completed.

The Scott Monument is completed in memory of Sir Walter Scott. Edinburgh is joined by rail to London for the first time.

Robert Louis Stevenson, famous author and creator of Jekyll and Hyde, is born in Edinburgh.

Camera Obscura is established by Maria Theresa Short, an optician.

Trotter's House, on the Royal Mile, collapses, burying 35 people. One boy shouts "Heave awa' lads, I'm no deid yet" to rescuers until they find and unearth him safely. An engraving still exists above Baillie's Close commemorating this event.

The Forth Rail Bridge is opened.

Edward I and VII is crowned

George V is crowned

The Prince of Wales opens the Scottish National War Memorial at the Castle.

Edward II and VIII is crowned, but abdicates the throne in order to marry Mrs Simpson, an American divorcee. His brother George VI takes the throne instead.

The first Edinburgh Festival takes place

After the death of her father George VI, Queen Elizabeth I & II is crowned.

The Forth Road Bridge is opened.

Heriot Watt University is founded.

Scotland votes for a devolved Parliament.

Presiding Officer David Steel opens the new Scottish Parliament with the words: "The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on 25th March 1707, is hereby reconvened."

Thousands of revellers from around the globe celebrate New Year at Edinburgh's famous Hogmanay party on Princes Street.

Elizabeth I & II celebrates her Golden Jubilee year.

The Royal Scottish Academy on The Mound re-opens after a major renovation and re-modelling known as the "Playfair Project".

The new Scottish Parliament building, at the foot of the Royal Mile, opens for business.