Almost all 500 tickets for the George Square Lecture Theatre at Edinburgh University have been allocated for the first in the ScotsmanDebates series. The event, chaired by STV political editor Mike Crow, will ask: "One year on from the SNP's historic election victory, are we any closer to independence?"

Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister, is on the panel alongside Cathy Jamieson (Labour), Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen, Independent MSP Margo MacDonald and Green MSP Patrick Harvie. The panel is completed by one of Scotland's leading historians, Professor Tom Devine.

If you want to attend, e-mail scotsmandebates@scotsman.com today – and we will e-mail back confirming allocations (max two per person). The debate starts at 7pm. You can also e-mail questions for the panel – the best ones will be selected and asked on the night.

Mike Gilson, Scotsman editor said: "The Scotsman is at the heart of debate on the big issues in Scotland – and the response shows a huge appetite out there for setpiece events like this."

Anyone wishing to attend the second debate next Monday at the Town House in Aberdeen – which asks if Scotland is managing to balance its economic and environmental interests – is advised to reserve tickets now.

Six further debates will be held through the year. For more details, see www.scotsman.com and click the Scotsman Debates link. The series has been organised with Blake Stevenson, an independent research and consultancy company, to open up discussion on the constitutional, political, social, environmental and economic changes facing Scotland in 2008.

The events build on the successful Scotland 300 series of debates held last year and will also include a debate on the future of the Scottish islands, to be held in Benbecula and chaired by Lesley Riddoch.

More details of other venues and panels will follow.

If you wish to ask a question at a debate, e-mail or write to The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.