17 January 2012 Last updated at 12:21 ET

Audience plea for live TV referendum debate programme

The political spotlight is now focused on the future of the UK

The BBC's Newsnight Scotland programme is appealing for members of the public to join its audience for a debate on the Scottish independence referendum.

The Burns Night special programme will take place on Wednesday, 25 January - the day First Minister Alex Salmond announces details of his referendum consultation.

The UK government has already announced its consultation on the referendum.

SNP leader Mr Salmond has named autumn 2014 as his preferred date to hold the vote.

The venue for the live debate, featuring a panel of politicians and experts, will be BBC Scotland's Glasgow headquarters at Pacific Quay.

When, where, time?

• Wednesday, 25 January
• BBC's Pacific Quay, Glasgow
• Time, 21:15 to 23:30

If you are interested in joining the audience, email your name and daytime telephone number to [e-mail] with "Referendum debate" in the message field.

Our research team will then send you an audience application form to fill in and return via email.

People wishing to take part will need to be available for the programme between 21:15 and 23:30.

BBC guidelines require us to have a balanced audience for this event.

To help us do this, we will ask all members of the audience to complete a booking form asking whether they are associated with a political party or if they already have a favoured view on whether Scotland should become independent or remain part of the UK.