The SNP leadership hustings started in Cumbernauld on Wednesday, kicking off a jam-packed schedule for Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

Those not in the room were able to watch through the SNP’s social media – after the party made a U-turn on their plans to ban media from the hustings.

The SNP initially said they wanted to create a “safe space” for debate, however now print and broadcast journalists can attend and events are being livestreamed for all to watch.

When are the SNP hustings 

March 3 - Glenrothes, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
March 4 - Inverness, 1pm - 3pm
March 5 - Online only hustings, 1pm - 3pm
March 6 - Dumfries, 7pm - 9pm
March 8 - Johnstone, 7pm - 9pm
March 10 - Edinburgh, 6.30pm - 8.30pm 
March 11 - Glasgow, 1pm - 3pm
March 11 - The National/SNP TUG, 5pm
March 12 - Aberdeen, 1pm - 3pm 

The day after the Aberdeen husting, the two-week ballot will open for members to vote.

When are the TV debates?

March 7 - STV, 9pm 
March 9 - Channel 4, 7pm
March 13 - Sky News, 8pm
March 14 - BBC, 8pm

Other hustings 

March 15 - Poverty Alliance/Robertson Trust, 7pm 

March 17 - The Inverness Courier

Unsurprisingly, the issue of independence has dominated hustings so far, with the leadership hopefuls outlining their plans for Scottish independence, complicated by the UK Government's refusal to grant a second referendum– despite the SNP winning every election since 2011.

The outgoing First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has not backed a successor, making the hustings a crucial opportunity for all three candidates to drum-up support.