Alex Salmond closed out a fascinating political year for Scotland in reflective mood.

As he bids to rejoin the Westminster village he described as being hopelessly out of touch, it might be useful for us all to reflect upon this last year of Scottish politics. It is clear that the independence referendum divided the nation, however it is equally clear that many of those divisions quickly melted away and political focus has now turned to next May's general election.

For some, this will present an opportunity to restate their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the referendum. Whilst that sentiment is clearly understandable, it serves little useful purpose. The outcome of the referendum was clear. Most people in Scotland wish to remain as part of the United Kingdom. Membership of the SNP has since surged to record levels, it will be fascinating to see how the activism of this membership plays out in the general election, and the extent to which it will endure within Scottish politics.

Alex Salmond this week articulated his view that Scotland would" soon"have a second chance at Independence, and that this time, they would win. With surging membership levels, the rhetoric is understandable, however it does seem somewhat inconsistent with his previously stated position which was that the independence referendum was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for Scots. This position was later amended to "once in a generation", which itself is in danger of being politically shortened to "once in a while."

The former First Minister has also rubbished the outcome of the Smith Commission, as a "betrayal", even though the SNP have signed up to the package of reforms. His political position appears to be somewhat at odds, with the "settled will of the Scottish people", which he undertook to respect. Scotland faces huge political challenges in the next few years. Tax from Oil revenues are likely to continue to fall in future. Our society remains badly divided between rich and poor, and the gap is widening. We have deep rooted problems in our relationship with alcohol. We continue to have major difficulties with widespread inequalities in both health and education.

It is to these, most pressing of issues, that Scotland's politicians must now turn their focus. Promoting the re-run of a referendum, risks testing the patience of the Scottish electorate, too far. In this most wonderful of years for Scottish democracy, we must ensure that our politics do not become a triumph of ambition, over public duty.

This week's tragedy in George Square, which saw six people killed and 10 injured, felt particularly poignant, so close to Christmas. As a City, Glasgow has had more than its fair share of tragedies to deal with, in the last decade. From the Rosepark Care Home tragedy, to the Stockline Disaster, from the Glasgow Airport attack, to the Clutha Bar incident. Sadly, this week's incident in George Square, joins a long list.

Of those involved, most were probably Christmas shopping. How could anyone have predicted that such a horrifying event would take place. Life can be so very cruel. Perhaps the poignancy of the event and it's emotional effect upon all of us, stems from the fact that these lives have been taken, in a season of giving. May they rest in peace.

This week brought some welcome good news for Glasgow's job market. JP Morgan, who currently employ some one thousand staff in the city, are to create 500 new jobs, in the next three years. JP Morgans role in the provision of international financial services, ensure that the 500 new jobs, are high value positions.

The company are currently refurbishing their offices in Waterloo Street, adding even more value to a very successful, financial services district. What is also becoming clear, is that many of these new jobs are in fact, IT positions. Last year, a CBI survey, concluded that 40% of UK employers had experienced difficulties, in recruiting sufficient numbers of IT qualified staff.

Perhaps the time has now come, for us to develop a specific part of the City, to deal with the hugely talented IT sector. Such an IT District might bring focus to the energy of Glasgow's Universities and thriving IT software development companies, to locate and further develop here and should promote further inward investment. Glasgow continues to flourish.