SCOTLAND in 2008 is a vibrant and changing place. There are huge constitutional, political, social, economic and environmental issues up for discussion.
The Scotsman has cemented its position at the heart of debate by announcing a series of events across Scotland to examine the big topics on a public stage.
The ScotsmanDebates - which build on the successful Scotland 300 series ahead of the elect
ion last year - cover a huge range of subjects from politics, the environment and economic development to the future of our islands, defence, arts, renewable energy and the media.
Mike Gilson, the editor of The Scotsman, said: "This exciting series of debates reinforces The Scotsman's position as a paper which really cares about discussing the big issues. We want to give all sides a fair say - including members of the communities affected by changes highlighted in the debates. We hope the interest shown in our Scotland 300 debates last year will be repeated and that the people of Scotland turn out in force and make their voices heard."
More details of venues and panellists will follow in the coming weeks - but if you want tickets for an early debate, apply soon.
For tickets, email
scotsmandebates@scotsman.com or write to David Lee, ScotsmanDebates, The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS. Please state how many tickets you want (maximum two per applicant) and for which debate(s).
INDEPENDENCE28 May, 7pm
Q One year on from the SNP's historic election victory, are wn nearer to independence?
George Square Lecture Theatre, University of EdinburghPanel: Nicola Sturgeon, Cathy Jamieson, Professor Tom Devine, Nicol Stephen, Margo Macdonald and Patrick Harvie.
How did the independence debate go?
Read our reportTRUMP2 June, 7pm
Q Does the Trump saga show that Scotland has failed to balance its economic and environmental interests?
Town House, Aberdeen How did the Trump debate go?
Read our reportISLANDS24 June, 7pm
Q Do Scotland's islands have a viable economic future?
Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula How did the Islands debate go?
Read our report ARTS28 August, 7pm
Q Do the arts have a bright future in Scotland?
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh How did the Arts debate go?
Read our report DEFENCE24 September 7pm
Q What is the future for the military in Scotland?
Victoria Halls, Helensburgh How did the Defence debate go?
Read our reportClick here to read our coverage of the Defence debateWIND POWER14 October, 7pm
Q Is Scotland making a mess of its renewable energy policy?
Town Hall, Jedburgh How did the Wind Power debate go?
Read our reportMEDIA28 October, 7pm
Q What does Scotland want from its media in 2008?
Mitchell Library, GlasgowHow did the debate go? Click here to read our full reportProgress Beyond Politics12 November, 7pm
Albert Halls, StirlingClick here to read our full reportBlake Stevenson, a social and economic research consultancy, has organised The Scotsman debates. The Scotsman would like to thank Blake Stevenson for all their assistance.
To find out more about Blake Stevenson's research contact director Norma Hurley on
norma@blakestevenson.co.uk, phone 0131 335 3700, or visit
www.blakestevenson.co.uk.
