THE third televised leaders' debate of the Scottish election cycle will be broadcast live tomorrow evening.
The party leaders will gather in Glasgow for the filming of the debate, which will be broadcast UK-wide for the first time. Previous STV and BBC leaders' debates have only been shown in Scotland.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the clash.
Who will take part?
Five Scottish parties will be represented on the Channel 4 debate. Nicola Sturgeon will speak for the SNP she leads, while the Greens field Patrick Harvie, one of their two co-leaders.
READ MORE: SNP rubbish claims Nicola Sturgeon snubbed BBC Question Time debate
From the Unionist parties, each of the leaders of the Scottish branches will appear. Douglas Ross will represent the Tories, Anas Sarwar Labour, and Willie Rennie will speak for the Scottish LibDems.
Journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy will chair the debate.
Alex Salmond does not appear to have been invited to represent Alba.
What will they talk about?
The format will involve set topics, with challenges between leaders allowed. There will be no opening statements or audience questions during the televised debate.
On April 23, Guru-Murthy tweeted to ask social media users what they would like to see covered during the broadcast.
I’d like to know what topics you’d like me to cover. What’s your top priority? https://t.co/gdYpVAcomP
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) April 23, 2021
Popularly mentioned topics in the replies include Scottish independence, currency and the economy, and transport infrastructure.
Many also questioned why Channel 4 had taken the decision not to include Alex Salmond in the debate.
What time is it on?
The 45-minute head-to-head will take place in Glasgow on Tuesday April 27, 2021 at 7pm, ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on May 6.
Where can I watch it?
You will be able to watch live on Channel 4 on your television or on the broadcaster's website.
The debate should also be available soon after on Channel 4's online catch-up service.
READ MORE: BBC U-turn and cancel live audience participation in final leaders' debate
What is Channel 4 saying?
Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear said: "This is a landmark election of potentially enormous significance for Scotland and the UK.
"We're delighted to have the leaders of the five main parties in attendance discussing the key issues to a UK wide audience."
Is this the final leaders' debate before the election?
No. The BBC will host a final debate on the evening of May 4, just two days before Scotland goes to the polls.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
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Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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