TEN years ago, hearts broke. Hundreds of thousands mourned the failure of an independence campaign which for Yes voters was an exhilarating and optimistic journey, imagining with hope Scotland’s future.

Campaigning increased support for independence by around 20 per cent. Although the vote was lost, determination remained that devolution would not be complete until all decisions affecting Scotland were taken in Scotland. 2014 was not – ever – a ‘once-in-a-generation’ event, and almost immediately after the vote, SNP membership soared to over 100,000.

At the next time of asking – the 2015 General Election - Scotland sent 56 (out of 59) SNP MPs to Westminster. East Lothian’s 2014 Yes vote of 38 per cent had grown to 42.5 per cent for the SNP, demonstrating that East Lothian’s voters were firmly part of the national conversation.

Winnie Ewing – later known as ‘Madame Ecosse’ – had declared after her famous Hamilton by-election victory: "Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on." Nearly 60 years later, a fierce hunger remains for Scotland to be a modern, vibrant, prosperous independent country, reversing the monstrous harm of a catastrophic Brexit we roundly rejected.

Some Unionists recall the referendum as divisive and strident.

Curiously, although some jubilantly celebrated by dancing unconvincing Highland reels for the BBC cameras, in victory they remained unconvinced. The main arguments for voting No have all been seen to have failed: vote No to save EU membership; vote No for lower energy prices; vote No for stable government; vote No for Scotland to “lead" the UK.

Independence is backed by around 50 per cent of the population and polling guru Professor John Curtice declares the prospect of a second referendum "has stalled... but is not dead" (September 15).

Another poll shows independence backed by 63 per cent of those aged 16 to 34, for whom ‘normality’ is multi-party democracy, proportional representation, a Scottish Parliament in the nation’s Capital, and a university education free from lifetime debt. The young use an expanded rail network and free personal care helps their grandparents. All benefit from free prescriptions and Scotland’s A&E is the best performing of any across the UK; 57 per cent of all those polled want a second referendum in a poll this week.

The Scottish Child Payment lifts children out of poverty; commitment to green jobs and clean energy benefits the environment; and an independent Scotland will not have nuclear weapons. Younger generations see independence within reach.

Some voters are appalled at Labour’s cowardice over Brexit. Pensioners can scarcely comprehend theirs are the first pockets picked by a Labour Government taking away their Winter Fuel Allowance. Families are appalled at Labour keeping the two-child cap, imposed by the Tories. Brexit Britain isn’t as good as it gets – Scotland can have another future.