It's been a privilege to write about the Capital

AS the old year draws to a close, two Scots will be viewing the new year very differently. Alex Salmond is probably sad to see the back of 2007.

Having been portrayed as the bogeyman of Scottish politics for years, ready to plunge the country into chaos and division at the first opportunity, he has instead proved to be a competent, effective and efficient First Minister. The SNP may face charges that it has backed out of some pre-election promises, but the predicted meltdown of Scottish national life simply hasn't materialised.

The Nats have hardly put a foot wrong, and with the 2012 Commonwealth Games going to Glasgow and the national football team narrowly missing qualifying for Europe, Scotland feels like the place to be. The champagne should be flowing in the First Minister's household on Monday night, because he certainly has something to celebrate. Contrast that with the dour pall hanging over the Prime Minister.

He waited so long for the job he wanted so much, only to watch it all go wrong. When Tony Blair rode off into the sunset Gordon Brown enjoyed a brief honeymoon, but since then it has all been trouble and strife. With the polls against him, David Cameron on a high and a new Liberal Democrat leader now in place, Mr Brown will be playing Things Can Only Get Better at full volume at his new year party, hoping the words of the song somehow come true.

This year also saw a change in political control of Edinburgh City Council. Out went an old, unpopular and barely competent administration, to be replaced by a new, unpopular and barely competent administration.

After years of argument and disagreement about the best way forward for our sagging transport infrastructure, we finally started to see some real developments. Work has now started on the Edinburgh tram system, and a decision has at last been made on the new Forth crossing. Next up, improvements are needed for the M8 and investment is required in rail infrastructure between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

During the rush hour last week, it took me two and half hours to drive the 50 miles between Scotland's two main cities. That is unacceptable, and the state of the road represents a real obstacle to Scotland's economic development.

Sadly, 2007 brought the usual crop of bad news, ranging from Scotland's World Cup rugby exit to the horror of the Spice Girls' reunion. We also had personal tragedies, most notably the disappearance of Madeleine McCann – a disturbing story on so many levels. This was also the year we discovered we were vulnerable to terrorism. The alleged Glasgow Airport terror may have failed, but it was a wake-up call to us all, proving Scotland isn't a safe haven from trouble.

The year ends with fingers crossed for a successful Edinburgh Hogmanay street party. After two cancellations due to bad weather in recent years, Edinburgh's reputation as the place to see in the New Year has been badly dented, and probably can't take another blow. The organisers seem to have done everything they can to be prepared for the big night. The one thing they can't control is the weather, and staging anything outside in late-December is always going to be challenging. All we can do is hope for the best.

So what of the year ahead? At this time, the next 12 months seem packed with potential and possibilities, so let me make some predictions for what lies ahead for Edinburgh. There will be lots of roadworks; the Festival will feature some controversial shows and property companies will build exciting new executive flats. All these things will come true because they come true every year in Edinburgh. Tradition and continuity are cornerstones of this city, but sometimes we need change. So this is it.

After four years, two editors, and more than 150 columns, this is my last. With a new show on STV in the new year, I'm passing responsibility for filling this page to someone else. Down the years this column has tackled death, marriage, parking, trams, obesity, parking, sectarianism and, this being Edinburgh, more parking. I've managed, at various times, to infuriate the entire direct mail industry, the Greens, caravanners and most of Glasgow.

But my proudest souvenir is a letter from the Catholic Church accusing me of being biased against it. It is on the wall next to an almost identical letter from the Orange Lodge. To those I have annoyed, thank you for the complaints and for proving I was earning my money as an opinion columnist by provoking and causing controversy.

To the many people who've sent cards, letters and messages of kindness, thank you for taking the time and trouble to get in touch and share your thoughts. It's been a privilege to be part of this great paper and to write about what was then and is now, the best city in the world.