The production team asked audience members to submit
questions and then selected the best and most representative of these.
They have ensured there is a range of political opinions
among the questioners.
The first time the leaders hear each question will be when
the audience member asks it.
Throughout the programme, audience members will also be given
the opportunity to ask further spontaneous questions to the panel, or, of
course, to make their own comments.
Debate producers spoke to scores of people across the
country who applied to make sure a wide range of views were represented:
The panel is designed to reflect the broad range of
political opinions on many of the issues affecting Scotland.
That could be based on voting history or views on big issues
like independence, as well as representing the diversity of the country based
on age, gender, social demographics and where people live.
What should we look out for tonight?
Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor
Nicola Sturgeon and Willie Rennie go into tonight's debate as the most experienced performers.
Mr Rennie has fronted Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigns for a decade, while Nicola Sturgeon has been SNP leader since 2014. Their challenge is to appear fresh when they are so familiar.
The others are appearing in this format for the first time.
Anas Sarwar has only had a month in charge. The Scottish Conservatives appointed Douglas Ross last summer.
While both have questioned Nicola Sturgeon at Holyrood, they have not yet been tested against her or each other on live TV.
Like the other newcomer - Lorna Slater - they have a big opportunity here to make an impact and energise their campaigns.
There is also danger for everyone in the line-up. A low-key performance or a gaffe could set back their election efforts.
Welcome
BBCCopyright: BBC
Good
evening and welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s Election 2021 Leaders’
Debate, as the five leaders of Scotland’s larger political parties debate in front of a "virtual" audience.
The
BBC’s Scotland Editor, Sarah Smith, will be hosting the debate featuring Anas
Sarwar (Scottish Labour), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Willie Rennie (Scottish
Liberal Democrats), Douglas Ross (Scottish Conservatives) and Lorna Slater
(Scottish Greens).
As there are restrictions on audiences because of the
pandemic, there will be a “virtual” audience of 30 voters from across the
political spectrum.
You can watch on BBC One Scotland, the BBC News channel,
iPlayer or the BBC News website, or you can follow the debate, plus reaction and
analysis, right here on this page.
Live Reporting
BBC Scotland News
All times stated are UK
Who chooses the questions?
The production team asked audience members to submit questions and then selected the best and most representative of these.
They have ensured there is a range of political opinions among the questioners.
The first time the leaders hear each question will be when the audience member asks it.
Throughout the programme, audience members will also be given the opportunity to ask further spontaneous questions to the panel, or, of course, to make their own comments.
How was tonight’s audience picked?
There was an open invitation to any member of the public who is passionate about having their say to submit an application to join the debate audience.
Debate producers spoke to scores of people across the country who applied to make sure a wide range of views were represented:
The panel is designed to reflect the broad range of political opinions on many of the issues affecting Scotland.
That could be based on voting history or views on big issues like independence, as well as representing the diversity of the country based on age, gender, social demographics and where people live.
What should we look out for tonight?
Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor
Nicola Sturgeon and Willie Rennie go into tonight's debate as the most experienced performers.
Mr Rennie has fronted Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigns for a decade, while Nicola Sturgeon has been SNP leader since 2014. Their challenge is to appear fresh when they are so familiar.
The others are appearing in this format for the first time.
Anas Sarwar has only had a month in charge. The Scottish Conservatives appointed Douglas Ross last summer.
While both have questioned Nicola Sturgeon at Holyrood, they have not yet been tested against her or each other on live TV.
Like the other newcomer - Lorna Slater - they have a big opportunity here to make an impact and energise their campaigns.
There is also danger for everyone in the line-up. A low-key performance or a gaffe could set back their election efforts.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s Election 2021 Leaders’ Debate, as the five leaders of Scotland’s larger political parties debate in front of a "virtual" audience.
The BBC’s Scotland Editor, Sarah Smith, will be hosting the debate featuring Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Willie Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Douglas Ross (Scottish Conservatives) and Lorna Slater (Scottish Greens).
As there are restrictions on audiences because of the pandemic, there will be a “virtual” audience of 30 voters from across the political spectrum.
You can watch on BBC One Scotland, the BBC News channel, iPlayer or the BBC News website, or you can follow the debate, plus reaction and analysis, right here on this page.