The National:

QUESTION Time isn't exactly known for its balanced panels.

The SNP may have the third most MPs at Westminster, but that hasn't stopped producers of the BBC's flagship political show from offering its politicians only occasional appearances.

This week's panel included one SNP MSP, Fiona Hyslop, Michael Forsyth of the Tories, Anneliese Dodds of Labour, model and actress Eunice Olumide and The Times journalist Hugo Rifkind.


Held in Motherwell, which is in the council area of North Lanarkshire where 51% voted in favour of Scottish independence, this viewpoint was only represented by Hyslop and Olumide.

But it was the make-up of the audience which had Scottish Twitter fuming last night, as member after member lined up to criticise the SNP and independence.

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire pointed out that the local government in North Lanarkshire has an SNP majority.

He said: "Who knew that Motherwell was a bastion of Conservatism? Must be all the Tory MPs/MSPs they elect."

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, agreed, describing the show as a "sham".

Phantom Power, a filmmaker that many may recognise from his Journey to Yes videos, mentioned the hypocrisy of the number of Brexiteers in the audience, pointing out that Scotland voted to remain in the EU by 62%.

And many other Twitter users agreed.

Twitter users were also quick to point out Billy Mitchell, who ran as a Ukip candidate, has been an audience member at least three times.

We'll have more on Mr Mitchell in tomorrow's edition of The National. Stay tuned...