Orcadians will have the chance to grill a SNP Government minister on the implications of Scottish independence today.
Culture and external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop is hosting a free public meeting at Stromness Community Centre.
She is keen to hear as many views as possible about the vision outlined in the government’s white paper Scotland’s Future.
Ms Hyslop said: “Independence offers great opportunities for the islands.
“The government has already put forward its proposals for Scotland’s future and demonstrated how the powers of independence can be used to build a more prosperous and equal Scotland.
“It’s crucial that everyone who lives and works in Scotland takes the time to consider and discuss with others the sort of country they want it to be in the future.
“This is the opportunity of a generation and we want to give as many people as possible the chance to ask questions and air their views.”
As well as the formal question and answer session, Ms Hyslop will chat to audience members over tea and coffee at the end of the event.
The Western and Northern Isles have become a key battleground in the fight for Scotland’s future.
Government ministers in Edinburgh and London are expected to promise a raft of new devolved powers to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles in an attempt to woo voters.
The Scottish Government is expected to set out a programme in the next few days.