Anderson tells the tale of shaping 'Britain's Best City'

FORMER city leader Donald Anderson is turning author to chart Edinburgh's transformation over the past 25 years.

The ex-Labour councillor, who stood down at last year's election, has begun work on a book to explain how the decisions taken by local government have helped shape 21st century Edinburgh.

Provisionally titled Britain's Best City, Mr Anderson said he wanted to record how the Capital turned from a "grimy and sleepy" city into one of the "most dynamic cities in Europe".

He insisted the book, which he is in talks to publish by the end of the summer, is not about his own input but the work carried out by other politicians, council officials and business leaders from the 1980s onwards.

Mr Anderson led the city council for eight years, but last year was defeated in his attempt to represent the Edinburgh South constituency at Holyrood.

He now works as the Scottish director of PPS, one of the UK's biggest lobbying and PR firms.

"What happened in Edinburgh was remarkable, and it didn't happen by accident," he said today.

"For people in Edinburgh, there is more choice and opportunity than in 1000 years of history.

"I remember in the 1980s, when every other person you met in south Edinburgh was unemployed and there was grinding poverty. For now, we have put that behind us.

"I would love to claim credit for that, but I can't. In the mid-80s, a more modern brand of Labour politicians took over – such as (former council leader) Mark Lazarowicz and (former Lord Provost) Eric Milligan – and they changed the relationship with the business community, which had previously been at war (with local government)."

Mr Anderson highlighted Edinburgh Park and the International Conference Centre, the Hogmanay celebrations and the arrival of big retailers such as Harvey Nichols as examples of how the good relationship with business leaders paid off.

"There are people who will criticise us for being close to the business community, but that was part of the job," he said. "If not, then the jobs go elsewhere."

He said the book was a one-off and an "academic exercise", aimed mainly at people in local government, students, or those with an interest in the city.

"This isn't about settling scores," Mr Anderson said. "There are a few lively moments I could include, but the book isn't about me – it's about the city that has become the best in Britain."