PRO-independence politicians have been reminiscing on the anniversary of a debate that took place 26 years ago today.

Kevin Pringle, the SNP's former PR chief, tweeted a video of 'The Great Debate', a head-to-head between Alex Salmond and Labour's shadow Scottish Secretary of the time George Robertson, in 1995.

The event was hosted by National columnist Leslie Riddoch in at the Royal High School in Edinburgh, which was favourite to be the Scottish Parliament at the time.

It was a debate about independence and devolution.

The event also featured a panel of London-based Scottish journalists: Andrew Marr, James Naughtie and Neal Ascherson.

It was criticised by some due to the absence of [Scottish Secretary] Ian Lang to defend the status quo.

Alex Salmond later said “George Robertson’s arguments and language showed exactly why Ian Lang wasn’t there. He didn’t have to be, because nobody could have been more Unionist than George.”

READ MORE: Labour to focus on Union flag to win back voters, leaked strategy plan reveals

The debate is known as the birthplace of 'the Lorraine Mann question' as an audience member asked Robertson and Salmond what their second choice would be after independence. 

Mann said: “I’d like to ask a question to both of the gentlemen, really, and I think it should be a fairly straightforward and simple one to answer. What is your second choice? We know what your first choice is. We have independence, devolution or the status quo. What is your second choice?”

Salmond said: "Well, these are, these are … When people say ‘this is an easy question’ its always the most difficult question of all! But I’ll be quite honest. You’ve said it. Independence, devolution, status quo. I think independence is first for Scotland. I think anything else is second best. I think the status quo is absolutely abysmal."

Robertson said: "I don’t… I don’t see it in these stark terms. I believe that what we are offering here …"

The audience shouted “answer!” but no answer came from Robertson who said: "I’m trying to answer the question. The problem is … The thing is we are going to create something within Britain, within the United Kingdom. I don’t believe that I need to make that choice at all. The alternatives are there … I’m not voting for either of the other alternatives. One of them is not … You see Lesley, this is what you come to expect, you know, over the years…"

Riddoch said: "George, there have been three choruses of ‘answer!’ Everyone, I think, wants an answer to that question. Can you give us your one-two?"

Robertson responded: "No, no, no way! That’s not the form of PR we have. You vote … This is the sort of SNP trick question that you come to expect from here."

Mann responded: "I am not an SNP member. I am not a member of any particular political party. I am not particularly a SNP voter. I am a floating voter. I am the sort of person who you need to convince!"

In the years that followed, the Lorraine Mann question worked in the SNP's favour because it exposed Labour’s internal divisions on devolution.

Tweeting on the debate's anniversary, Riddoch said: "I well remember that despite the all-male panel it was Lorraine Mann who asked the killer question at 44 mins. Indy, Devo, Status Quo - we all know your top choice, but what's your second choice? Alex answered devolution, George Robertson couldn't answer."

Joanna Cherry said there is "no doubt who won" the debate and pointed out that she was in the audience along with the SNP's Tommy Sheppard and Angus MacNeil.

The National:

A young Joanna Cherry

SNP MP Steven Paterson said he also remembers the night well.

The debate went on to discuss currency and use of bank cards in an independent Scotland.