SO, the Big Day is over and the next 10 years begin.

It’s a slightly depressing thought, when for long enough indyref2 seemed to be just around the corner.

I’ve been asked dozens of times if I feel optimistic.

And strangely, honestly, I do. The opinion polls show 50% support for independence. Yet commentators ask if independence is dead. Logically there’s something very wrong with that.

Next time it’s put to me, I’ll ask if the Union is dead, since roughly 50% support means it’s as dodgy/vibrant as Yes.

Now I’ll grant you, a movement arguing for transformational change must do better than the status quo. But if half the population equals a dead movement, I’m a member of the House of Lords. And I’m not. Nor is any independence-supporting Scot. One line in the sand that’s held over these 10 long, identity-defining years.

READ MORE: 'This is not over': Hundreds rally for Yes at Holyrood on 10th anniversary of indyref

Yes, there are problems with the independence cause – pointless to deny it. There’s a damaging court case. A Supreme Court ruling that the “world’s most powerfully devolved parliament” (aye right Douglas Alexander) cannot legally consult its citizens on anything. Membership of the SNP is down. Votes for the SNP are down. And attendance at marches are down from the days when 200,000 marched through these very streets.

That’s something sceptics like to point out. Looking at you George Foulkes. But strangely enough those same folk quibbled about the massive numbers at the time. Whatever, if size matters, our marches are smaller.

And if youth matters, they’re Yes, but getting on with life until another powerful moment of possibility arises.

Without a moment, goal, vote or truly vigorous campaign – without power in the room – it’s impossible to make a (distant) future matter more than the here and now.

But does that mean Yes is over? Or that youngsters are keeping their collective powder dry.

While the Yessers of 2014 are beyond the heady stage, the exciting teenage years and forming a deep, mature, informed commitment to a different, better future for Scotland.

Not giddy but unshakable. Not temporary but permanent.

It’s still love. Just not head over heels. But ready to go again at the drop of a seriously viable hat.

This phase may not be as dramatic as the marches, meetings, street-stalls and films straight after the indyref – and nowhere near as vigorous as many would like.

Where’s the SNP campaign on the theft of our renewable energy resources while Scotland is saddled with higher charges and mired in fuel poverty?

Where’s the land tax to right the wrongs of feudal centuries?

Where’s the growl?

If the SNP doesn’t pay attention, this movement has the capacity to act. Be warned.

But meantime, let’s not turn our noses up at a solid, settled 50% support, ready to be boosted when the moment arises.

Because here we are. Stubborn buggers. And Still Yes.

Why?

Ten years ago, I stood in the aftermath of the No vote, trying to string a sentence together for TV cameras in the media village that stood by the parliament. Climbing down one of the makeshift ladders I saw the actor Brian Cox. I had kept it together until I saw that friendly face, and had a wee greet.

I’ll never forget Brian’s response because it’s kept me going for 10 years. He put his hands on my arms, looked me dead in the eyes with that arresting Logan Roy look and said: “Lesley, the issues are not resolved.”

Boy, was he ever right. And he’s still right.

Ten years on, all the problems with Westminster rule are still in place – with knobs on.

Massive energy theft – check.

Chronic fuel poverty – check.

Economy ruined by Brexit – check.

EU citizenship gone despite promises to the contrary – check.

Still using first pass the post voting, alone in Europe (with Belarus) – check.

Still operating the world’s second-largest unelected chamber – check.

Still hosting nuclear weapons of mass destruction on an unwilling Clyde – check.

This is a country that would not back a ceasefire in Gaza or stop all weapon sales to Israel.

With the “Mother of Parliaments” whose members moan about the distraction of independence whilst refusing to resolve the issue with a second vote. And a Prime Minister’s wife supplied with expensive designer dresses on the QT. It’s like Boris and Carrie all over again.

A very sair fecht.

So yesterday Yessers were doing a weird thing – celebrating a defeat.

Why? Because despite everything – we’re still Yes.

And that’s a victory against cynicism, distraction and the combined efforts of Unionism and the media bar one outlet – The National – also 10 this year.

As Professor Sir John Curtice puts it, in 2014 Yes lost the ballot but won the campaign. Now, years of polling leads him to say that Scots think leaving the UK and joining the EU is better for Scotland’s economy.

Years of surveys led Professor Lindsay Paterson to say: “Scottish nationalism is [not] like Trump or Brexit – a rebellion by the ‘left behind’ against elites.

“The core of the independence-supporting electorate now are well-educated, liberal-minded graduates.

“Independence has come to be associated with the future in demographic and ideological ways.

It reflects Scottish nationalism’s rhetoric that Britain is stuck in the past.

“That ideological message is now so entrenched among younger, educated voters that the transient fortune of individual politicians is unlikely to have much impact.”

Indeed, Paterson predicts 60% plus support for independence by the early 2030s, based on an analysis of voting trends since 1979.

It's not in the bag. But for just one day, can we stop beating ourselves up.

Will Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond ever speak again?

Sorry – but that’s not a big priority.

Have we a certain route to independence. No.

Did the Scottish media even cover yesterday’s rally – probably not.

Are they bored with Scotland’s democratic deficit? Have they written off half a population, and does that make Yessers feel hesitant and small?

Don’t – because a minor miracle is happening. Despite everything, we are still Yes.

Should we complain because the SNP leadership don’t set the heather alight.

Should we worry that Scottish Labour might somehow win every seat in Scotland.

And should we care if experts decide the word Yes is very last season.

I’m still Yes. It’s the most positive word in the world – apart from Aye.

Are Gaelic and Scots more powerful than received pronunciation?

Is a wet Thursday in Saltcoats replete with possibility?

Is a country awash with wind, wave, tide and hydropower a tasty proposition?

Is this country more beautiful, resourceful and welcoming than most? Yes.

On a good day are we all Jock Tamson’s bairns?

Do we thank bus drivers when we get off?

Are we European?

Are we heartbroken by Gaza?

Do we want control over Trident spending decisions? Yes.

Is it beyond admirable that folk could watch yesterday’s rally at home courtesy of Kevin Gibney and volunteers at Independence Live and will you chuck a few quid into their crowd-funder to keep their show on the road? Yes.

Has a generation passed since 2014? Yes.

Is it priceless hypocrisy for Labour and the Tories to ignore mandates for a second independence vote and the fact Brexit represented material change? Yes.

So, 10 years on, are we ready for independence?

Yes, yes, yes.