BBC Debate Night Scotland was filmed in the Scottish Borders

The show which gives members of the public the opportunity to ask questions of the country’s decision makers and public figures was filmed at Tait Hall in Kelso in front of a live studio audience and hosted by Stephen Jardine.

The panel consisted of SNP MSP Jim Fairlie, Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton, Labor MSP Daniel Johnson, former Yes Scotland strategist Stephen Noon and ex-footballer Pat Nevin.

The first question was whether active faith was an aid or a hindrance, and referred to Finance Minister Rachel Forbes’ bid to become SNP leader and first minister and her views on equality in marriage and childbirth outside wedlock.

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Mr. Fairlie and Mr. Nevin praised her honesty although they both strongly disagreed with her views while Mr. Noun was concerned that she did not understand gay experiences in Scotland but would continue to support her endeavour.

Mrs. Hamilton said she had no opinion on who should become the new leader although she had a good relationship with Mrs. Forbes, whom she considered a friend. She added that official socialist plans should reflect the views of her constituents but said she should not make her personal views public

Johnson cited personal values ​​as driving decisions and agreed that she should not have said she would have voted against marriage equality.

The next question concerns whether the UK should send planes to help Ukraine if the US decides to do so.

There was unanimous agreement that the UK should stand with Ukraine and supply the planes, but Mr Nevin and Mr Fairlie highlighted strategic issues that could lead to an escalation of the war.

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The third question was whether removing the words from Roald Dahl’s books was a “default” too far.

Again, the consensus is that some words and phrases that were acceptable in the past are no longer so, and that language has progressed but in many cases is far outgrown. It was agreed on the importance of work safety.

The last question of the night came from a man who stayed in a village of 2-300 people with 28 second homes that remained empty most of the year. He asked if there should be legislation to limit the number of second homes.

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Ms. Hamilton indicated that there is legislation allowing local authorities to limit short-term rents.

Johnson said that the landlords took the housing from the housing stock and agreed that they should be taxed more.

Mr Nevin agreed that there were not enough homes in the bounds and that second homes had driven up house prices and Mr Fairlie said he believed owners should be charged a 200% council tax because young people could not get up the housing ladder.

Mrs. Hamilton was concerned that landlords could be driven off the market which would drive up rents and Mr. Noone suggested a strategy that would help young people get affordable housing.