BBC Scotland’s Debate Night will broadcast from Ullapool this evening, Wednesday the 18th of March 2026, bringing a mix of political figures and community voices together for a live discussion on issues affecting people across the Highlands and beyond.

The programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, will see a studio audience in Ullapool put questions directly to a panel representing a range of political parties and perspectives.

Appearing on the panel is Torcuil Crichton MP of Scottish Labour, Maree Todd MSP of the SNP, Angus MacDonald MP of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Tim Eagle MSP of the Scottish Conservatives.

They will be joined by Father James Anyaegbu of St Mary’s Beauly, adding a community and faith perspective to the discussion.

The visit marks the first time Debate Night has come to Ullapool, placing the Highland community at the centre of a national conversation.

The programme travels across Scotland each week, offering audiences the chance to raise questions and challenge decision makers on the issues that matter most to them.

With representatives from across the political spectrum, tonight’s discussion is expected to reflect a wide range of views, shaped in part by the experiences and concerns of those in the audience.

Debate Night has built a reputation for direct and sometimes robust exchanges, with the format designed to keep the focus on real issues raised by members of the public.

For Ullapool, hosting the programme is both a moment of visibility and an opportunity to bring Highland voices into a national forum.

The presence of local MSP Maree Todd alongside MPs from different parties underlines the balance between local representation and wider political debate.

The addition of a community figure on the panel also reflects the programme’s aim to move beyond party politics and include voices grounded in everyday experience.

The discussion will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC Scotland, with a repeat showing on BBC One Scotland at 10.40pm following the evening news.

As the programme goes live from Ullapool, attention will turn to the questions raised by the audience and how they shape the conversation on the night.

Debate Night arrives in Ullapool for the first time, bringing national political figures and local voices together in a live discussion that places Highland issues firmly on the national stage.