The ScotsmanDebates have been organised – in conjunction with Blake Stevenson, a consultancy company – to open up discussion on the constitutional, political, social, environmental and economic changes facing Scotland.

They build on the successful Scotland 300 series held before the election last year and cover a range of subjects – from politics, the environment and economic development, to the future of our islands, defence, renewable energy, arts and the media.

The first debate focuses on the state of Scottish politics, which has been in ferment since Wendy Alexander's call to Alex Salmond and the SNP to "bring it on". With a referendum bill only two years away, we ask: "One year on from the SNP's historic election victory, is Scotland any nearer to independence?"

The University of Edinburgh hosts the event, chaired by Michael Crow of STV. The panel includes deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon, Labour's No2 Cathy Jamieson, leading historian Prof Tom Devine, Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen, Independent MSP Margo Macdonald and Green MSP Patrick Harvie.

The focus then shifts to the North-east for a discussion on the tensions between the environment and economic development in Scotland, on the back of Donald Trump's plans for a huge golf complex in Aberdeenshire.

Councillor Martin Ford, who originally rejected the Trump plan with a casting vote, will be on the panel, along with the CBI and RSPB.

On 24 June, Lesley Riddoch chairs a debate in Benbecula on whether our islands have a viable economic future. As young people are central to this discussion, it is held in a school – Sgoil Lionacleit – and a senior pupil will be on the panel. Mike Russell, the environment minister, is another confirmed panellist.

Joyce McMillan takes the chair for the arts debate in August during the Festival season before the focus shifts to military matters in Helensburgh, home to the Faslane naval base, then a debate on wind power. This will be in Jedburgh to reflect the disproportionate amount of wind turbines in the Borders. The seventh debate, at The Mitchell Library in Glasgow, will ask what media Scotland wants in the 21st century. An eighth debate, Progress beyond Politics, will be chaired by a director of Blake Stevenson, to identify and understand social changes.

More details of venues and panellists will follow. Mike Gilson, the Editor of The Scotsman, said: "We had crowds across the country for the Scotland 300 debates last year and the ScotsmanDebates 2008 could be even bigger and better. The series reinforces The Scotsman's position as a paper which really cares about discussing the big issues."

• The Scotsman would like to thank Blake Stevenson, a research and consultancy company specialising in economic/social development, for helping to put together the debates – and the George Hotel, which is hosting a dinner following the first debate on 28 May.

DEBATES: THE STORY SO FAR

• INDEPENDENCE, 28 May, 7pm, George Square Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh University. One year from the SNP's historic election win, are we nearer independence? Chair Michael Crow (STV), speakers include Nicola Sturgeon and Professor Tom Devine.

• TRUMP, 2 June, 7pm, Town House, Aberdeen. Does the Trump saga show Scotland is failing to balance economic and environmental interests? Chair Bill Jamieson, panel includes Martin Ford & Jayne MacLennan, CBI Scotland.

• ISLANDS, 24 June, 7pm, Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula. Do Scotland's islands have a viable economic future? Chair Lesley Riddoch, panellists include Mike Russell.

• ARTS, 28 August, 7pm, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. Do the arts have a bright future in Scotland? Chaired by Joyce McMillan

• DEFENCE, 24 Sept, 7pm, Victoria Halls, Helensburgh. What's the future of the military in Scotland? Chaired by Ian Stewart, deputy editor of The Scotsman .

• WIND POWER, 14 October, 7pm, Town Hall, Jedburgh. Is Scotland making a mess of its renewable energy policy? Chair/panel to be announced.

• MEDIA, 24 October, 7pm, Mitchell Library, Glasgow. Chair/panel to be announced.

• PROGRESS BEYOND POLITICS, 4 December, 7pm, Albert Halls, Stirling. Chaired by Blake Stevenson and aims to draw together and examine social changes in Scotland.