A long time coming, but the report has depth, detail, quality in its scope of research, and is underpinned with intellectual rigour, a rare quality these days in the sphere of political economy.

It is honest in admitting the reality of the integration of Scotland within the UK over three hundred years, and its consequence – that careful, measured steps are required before creating a Scottish currency separate from sterling.

The purists will argue that continuing in the UK sterling zone, without definition of time, will make an independent government too reliant upon what happens to the rUK economy and monetary policy.

Read more: Independent Scotland can rise above Brexit-style row, report insists

But the reality is, as the report demonstrates, until the Scottish economy becomes stronger and more global in its character, the UK as our biggest market (64 per cent of exports) will continue to be an influence we cannot avoid.

The UK may be the fifth largest economy in the world, but as the report notes it is unsustainable, due to the over dominance of the south east.

There is an inherent weakness in a UK reliant on debt financing, and a national debt soaring to £1.6 trillion.

Read more: Ronald MacDonald: Growth Commission has too many deficiencies to be credible

So, the timing of a move to a separate currency will be one of the most interesting debates when we become independent; but that debate is not for now.

The report in a diplomatic way, recognises this salient weakness of our neighbour’s economic condition, with sophisticated proposals of how an independent Scotland, exercising a moral duty, can assist with rUK debt reduction.

One caveat: it fails to generate the radical mental attitude needed on oil. It is not alone.

Its concern is with income from oil taxes, but not with income from ownership.

Read more: Alistair Carmichael: Growth Commission is all about the economy and that’s why it is still a ‘No’

An oil price fall brings in less in tax, but that fall does not mean zero profit attached to the black stuff pouring out.

Scotland is not, repeat not, an oil producing nation, because the nation owns nothing of it, unlike Saudi, and Abu Dhabi.

They own the oil, and the profits ($80 a barrel as I write). We don’t, and the real wealth flows past us; a great capital resource lost, whose investment is essential for any growth strategy.

John Curtice: Growth Commission is a bid to find answers but necessary steps won’t all be popular

Finally, a word to the Yes movement. This is a case for optimism, but not absolutely definitive.

It provides an excellent basis for the discussion and debate we need with the people, before we clamour for another referendum.

Jim Sillars, former deputy leader of the SNP