A bi-weekly newspaper is set to host a debate featuring the three Scottish National Party leadership candidates – with journalists from other publications being invited to attend too.

Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan have all agreed to take part in the Inverness Courier’s debate on 17 March, which has been organised bt the paper independently from the SNP.

It comes after journalists criticised the party for allowing just three members of the media to attend its first leadership debate on Wednesday.

Tickets will be open to the Courier’s digital subscribers, with a live stream also being made available.

The Courier splashed on the debate’s announcement on Friday.

Sarah Fyfe, head of content and audience at Courier owner Highland News & Media, said: “The Highlands and Moray should never be an afterthought for people in power.

“We are committed to being ambassadors for our communities, and that means holding politicians to account.

“The upcoming leadership hustings hosted by the Inverness Courier is a clear message that local media can, and should be, a powerful voice.”