First Minister’s `5 Million Questions’ appearance sells-out on first day

Published On Tue 13 May 2014 by Roddy Isles

First Minister Alex Salmond’s appearance as part of the 5 Million Questions series of public conversations at the University of Dundee has sold out a day after being announced.

All available tickets for Mr Salmond’s appearance – some 700 including spaces in overflow theatres - were snapped up by lunchtime today.

The First Minister will be at the University on Tuesday June 3rd. His appearance comes just two weeks after Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, will face the public at the preceding event in the series. There has also been a surge of interest in Mr darling’s session, although tickets are still available.

Michael Marra, Director of 5 Million Questions, said, “We are delighted with the response to this latest event in the Five Million Questions programme. The First Minister will have a capacity audience and those present will have the chance to test his case for Scottish independence.

"Tickets for a variety of other speakers and events are still available on our website, all free and open to all. Many are going fast and we would encourage those who wish to be part of the Five Million Questions events to book soon."

Former Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander was at the University last week and he will be followed by Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney on May 14th, then Mr Darling on May 22nd and Mr Salmond on June 3rd.

More events and publications are scheduled to take place between now and 18th September.

The University launched the Five Million Questions project to examine the issues surrounding the biggest event in Scotland for over 300 years. Every aspect of Scottish life stands to be impacted upon by the result of the 2014 referendum, and everyone has a question about how the decision will affect them and the future of the country.

The public debate to this stage has been both highly technical and overtly party political. 5 Million Questions aims to stimulate wider debate, apply academic rigour to examination of the issues, and engage with the public on all aspects of the major questions they are facing.

All events take place at the University’s Dalhousie Building and entry is free.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head of Corporate Communications
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384910
Mobile: 07800 581902
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk