By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent
The two men leading the fight for Scotland's future will go head to head in a TV debate tonight.
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will face Alistair Darling MP, leader of the Better Together campaign, with just over six weeks to go until the September 18 referendum on independence.
Broadcast by STV, it is the first such encounter between the pair during the campaign and kicks off its closing stages.
Alex Salmond had initially refused to face Mr Darling, instead insisting he would only take on David Cameron. The Prime Minister has consistently refused the offer.
Tonight's two-hour debate will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and the men will cross-examine each other, as well as take audience questions.
Alex Salmond (L) will go head-to-head with Alistair Darling Alistair Darling's Better Together campaign has consistently been ahead in the polls and he is expected to press the First Minister for answers on independence.
Blair McDougall, his campaign director, said: "Voters in Scotland have been listening to the independence debate for over two years now.
"Surely if Alex Salmond had convincing answers on the details of separation, we would have heard them by now.
"Scots tuning in deserve to finally get straight answers from Mr Salmond to the questions they have been asking. What would separation mean for our pound, pensions and public services?
"Unlike the leaders' debates in the 2010 General Election, this debate isn't a job interview between candidates.
"Instead, it is a discussion about what separation would mean for our children and grandchildren's futures."
The big vote on Scotland's future is just weeks away For Alex Salmond, the TV debate and similar events that are expected to follow, present an opportunity to strive for the game-changing moment that his campaign needs to turn the polls around.
Blair Jenkins, chief executive of the Yes campaign, said: "Independence is the opportunity of a lifetime for the people of Scotland, and the Yes campaign are looking forward immensely to the debate.
"We know that Scotland is one of the richest countries in the world, wealthier than the UK, France and Japan, and only the powers offered by a Yes vote will enable us to make this wealth work better for everyone in Scotland.
"Viewers will get the chance to hear why decisions made on Scotland's future should be taken here in Scotland.
"Our experience is that most undecided voters choose Yes when they hear both sides of the debate, and therefore we believe the mass TV audience will benefit our positive campaign.
"We also believe that the No campaign have a problem with both the negativity of their message and the unpopularity of their messengers."
On the morning of the debate, the three main UK party leaders announced they had signed a pledge to increase the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have all put their name to a declaration made earlier this year by their parties' Scottish leaders to guarantee an increase in Scotland's powers under devolution.
It is a pre-debate move to bolster Alistair Darling before the big event and protect 'their man' against accusations that increased devolution is an empty promise that won't be delivered.
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