Scottish independence debate: Live blog & analysis

Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond face off in a TV debate tonight. Picture: PA

AS Alex Salmond takes on Alistair Darling in tonight’s televised referendum debate, join our live webchat from 7:45pm to discuss the debate as it unfolds.

Click here to get involved in the discussion - we’ll have live updates as well as analysis from our Political Editor Tom Peterkin, and Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday deputy editor Kenny Farquharson will lead a post-debate discussion from 10pm.

Ahead of tonight’s action, here’s some of the best comment and analysis from around the web to get you up to speed before the two men square off at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow tonight, as seen on our dedicated Scottish independence website.

• Scotsman Scottish independence series, part one: EU, defence & Nato

Read the first of The Scotsman’s series of special supplements on Scottish independence, featuring contributions from Alex Massie, John Curtice, Fiona Hyslop and more.

The collection of analyses and opinion pieces focuses on international affairs and defence.

• 5 things to know about the Salmond v Darling TV debate

We highlight some of the key facts, figures and elements of tonight’s TV clash, focussing on important details such as “Who’s in charge?”, “Where has the audience come from?”, and “Will it make a difference to the vote?”.

• Garden Lobby guide to tonight’s Salmond v Darling debate

Grayling Scotland’s Garden Lobby blog have produced a factsheet setting out the key background to tonight’s referendum debate - click the link above to check it out.

• James Mitchell: TV debate marks beginning of end of referendum

James Mitchell, professor of public policy at the University of Edinburgh, suggests the debate marks a key point in the campaign, beyond which conversation will be driven by broadcast media and the main political parties.

• Commentators give their thoughts on who will win Salmond v Darling TV debate

John McTernan, Alex Massie, David Torrance and Hamish McDonnell give their views on who is likely to come out on top in tonight’s TV debate.

• Asa Bennett - 5 questions Darling should ask Salmond in tonight’s TV debate

The Huffington Post’s Asa Bennett highlights five areas for Alistair Darling to target in tonight’s TV debate.

• Do political TV debates make a difference?

The BBC’s Esther Webber previews the Scottish independence referendum debate between Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond, and looks at the historic impact of past TV clashes between rival politicians.