With nominations now closed in the race to succeed Douglas Ross as the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, STV has confirmed it will air a debate between the three MSPs vying for the position on Monday 2 September.

In a special edition of STV’s nightly current affairs programme, Scotland Tonight, the candidates – Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher – will go head-to-head to set out their respective visions for the party, which they hope to lead into the next Scottish Parliament election in 2026.

The programme will be hosted by STV’s Political Editor, Colin Mackay, from the broadcaster’s Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow.

Voting in the 2024 Scottish Conservatives leadership election starts on 4 September and concludes on 26 September, with the winner being announced the following day.

The Scotland Tonight special will air on Monday 2 September at 10:40pm on STV and STV Player.

Blockquote open With voting starting just two days later, this debate on 2 September will provide an important opportunity for candidates to set out their stalls to the party membership and the wider public, and prove why they should become the next Scottish Conservative leader at what is a critical time for the party. Blockquote close

Linda Grimes Douglas Head of News & Current Affairs, STV