THE SNP's depute leader has said he "looks forward" to making the case for Scottish independence in a televised debate against his Tory counterpart tonight.

Keith Brown, who previously challenged Jackson Carlaw to a debate on the subject, said "democracy" will be at the heart of the discussion.

The National will be live blogging as the pair appear on Scotland Tonight, STV, from 10.40pm tonight.

READ MORE: Keith Brown challenges Jackson Carlaw to public debate on indyref2

Ahead of the appearance Brown said: "At its heart, tonight's debate is about democracy – Scotland's right to choose our own future, not to have it dictated to us by Westminster

"I look forward to setting out the positive case for why Scotland should have that choice, why we will be better off making decisions for ourselves and how we will thrive as an independent country."

The National: Jackson Carlaw accepted the invitation last monthJackson Carlaw accepted the invitation last month

In March, Brown challenged Carlaw – who was interim chief of the Scottish Conservatives while Ruth Davidson was on maternity leave – to a public debate on indyref2.

The idea came after Carlaw sent him an open letter asking for clarification on his stance.

READ MORE: WATCH: Jackson Carlaw accepts Keith Brown's debate challenge

The letter, posted on Twitter, read: “Mr Brown needs to clear things up: does he stand by his comments from last month, backing a so-called ‘wildcat’ referendum? Or does he now back his leader’s apparent position?”

Last month, the MSP for Eastwood accepted the challenge as the pair appeared on an episode of Scotland Tonight.

Carlaw said: “As one deputy to another ... I am more than happy to debate him and murder him on the issue.”

Tune in to Scotland Tonight from 10.40pm to see the debate as it happens, and keep an eye on our website to follow the live blog.