THE National has accepted a challenge from Scotland’s hardcore new pro-Union group to go head-to-head in a live debate.

David Clews of UK Unity, a splinter group of Scotland In Union, will join our digital editor Stephen Paton and community editor Shona Craven live at 7pm tonight, when viewers will have the chance to put their own questions to the former Tory councillor.

Clews, who was elected to Renfrewshire Council in 2007 at the age of 24, is no stranger to breakaway moves, having defected to Labour in 2011.

The new group, which insists it is not “Unionist” despite being staunchly pro-Union, had its official launch earlier this month.

At the event in Glasgow Clews was filmed challenging members of what he called the “cowardly elite” to meet him face-to-face to discuss “how great Britain’s going to be after Brexit”.

In an even more bizarre follow-up video he donned a customised cagoule and sunglasses to talk about dreams and warn viewers “we’re coming down the road” as piano music played in the background.

While many assumed the attention-grabbing campaign was a parody, Clews insists his commitment to the preservation of the Union and the delivery of Brexit is sincere.

Accepting our invitation, a campaign spokesperson said: “David looks forward to his conversation on Monday night with ‘The Regional’.

“We are not a Unionist campaign, we are a ‘unity’ campaign. We want to turn the old-fashioned, boring, tweed-wearing pro-UK message on its head.

“We seek to promote the message of solidarity across the UK as we leave the EU. Leaving the EU was the popular anti-establishment uprising this country has been crying out for.

“Let’s discuss how we can use it to make the real change we need for the hard-working people of the UK.”

The debate will broadcast live via The National’s Facebook page from 7pm tonight. You can tweet your own questions or comments for Clews using #NationalVsUnity.