Exactly how much this bold initiative changed opinion in Scotland will never be known, but when the referendum votes were counted a few weeks later Yes had sneaked it by a 0.5% margin. Now 11 years on, and 6 years after Scotland eventually becoming independent, the optimism of these early days has drained away - with plans for a currency union finally abandoned, negotiations to gain entry to the European Union still under consideration and talks with the remaining UK to remove Trident in deadlock.
It isn't surprising that the Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon is making the most of the one assertion that has become reality - early entry into the ESA and the successful siting of the new Virgin Galactic Spaceport at Prestwick Airport. After two years of trials, the Scottish Government has announced that the first flight carrying space tourists is due this autumn. The project with the working title 'Wired to the Moon' is being overseen by the Scottish Government's special ambassador for space travel, former singer Eddi Reader. Speaking at a joint press conference with Sir Richard Branson she outlined plans for a public competition to decide who should be on that first Scottish space flight with the public vote taking place on a live TV show on STV. There are rumours that among those keen to participate are the Last First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond; columnist and former SNP politician, Joan McAlpine; and former Wings over Scotland blogger and now Special Adviser to PM Sturgeon, Rev Stuart Campbell.
Some see this decision to allow the public to decide as a very brave move as they will be taking off on a space craft whose name was also chosen by a public vote earlier this year when Scots, with tongues firmly in cheek, voted overwhelmingly for the name 'Hubris 1'