A Scottish daily newspaper will tomorrow bring together the leaders of the country’s four main political parties for a crucial debate ahead of May’s elections to the Scottish Parliament.

The Scotsman is hosting the four-way discussion at its offices from 6.30pm tomorrow evening.

First Minister Alex Salmond for the Scottish Nationalists will debate with fellow party leaders Iain Gray (Labour) Tavish Scott (Liberal Democrats) and Annabel Goldie (Conservatives.)

The debate, chaired by Scotsman columnist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch, will take place in front of an audience of influential Scots from business, the public sector and academia, as well as Scotsman readers.

Editor-in-chief John McLellan said: “I am delighted that the four party leaders have agreed to take part in our debate at this crucial time for Scotland.

“The Scotsman prides itself on its in-depth political coverage and analysis. We hope the debate will help in the process of finding out more about what the parties offer Scotland for the next Holyrood parliament.”

The debate will also be live-blogged on the Scotsman website while selected footage will also appear there the following day.