RESIDENTS of Irvine will have the chance to quiz members of the Scottish Cabinet about their plans for independence – set out in Scotland’s Future - when they visit the town later this month.

First Minister Alex Salmond has given a commitment that over the next seven months people across Scotland will be able to put their questions directly to himself and his Cabinet colleagues and have the opportunity to discuss the future the Scottish Government has set out in detail following a vote for independence on 18 September this year.

Following a cabinet meeting in the town, ministers will host a public discussion session, focusing on the Scottish Government’s vision for Scotland’s future, on March 25 at the Volunteer Rooms, High Street.

They want to hear as many views as possible and will answer questions from members of the audience. This is your chance to ask questions about Scotland and its future Announcing the visit, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am absolutely delighted to be bringing the Cabinet to Irvine for the first time.

“This event will be our third meeting outside Edinburgh this year and is part of a series of Scotland-wide events that will allow Scottish ministers to engage with people in communities across the country about the hugely exciting future we envisage following a vote for independence.

“Taking the referendum conversation out to communities across the country offers us a fantastic opportunity to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and hear their views on independence, as well as listening to their questions and concerns.

“Over the next seven months the people of Scotland will be able to debate and decide on their future through a civic and democratic process. This is the opportunity of a generation and we want to give as many people as possible in the North Ayrshire area the opportunity to ask questions and air their views.

“We want to hear what local people have to say about the type of Scotland they want in the future and I would encourage the people of Irvine and North Ayrshire to come to the Volunteer Rooms on March 25.

“We’ve already put forward our proposals for Scotland’s Future and demonstrated how the powers of independence can be used to build a wealthier and fairer Scotland, but it’s crucial everyone who lives and works in Scotland considers and discusses with others the sort of country they want Scotland to be in the future.

“Over the last two months the Cabinet has visited Bathgate and Portlethen, and we had fantastic public discussions with thoughtful and stimulating contributions from local people on a range of issues. I hope that the community in Irvine do the same.” The public discussion event is being held on Tuesday March 25 at the Volunteer Rooms, High Street . Registration takes place in the adjacent Parterre Hall.

As well as the formal Q&A session, ministers will be happy to chat informally to audience members over tea and coffee at the end of the event.