EVENING Times readers have the chance to put their questions to Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Scottish Government minister in charge of the independence referendum.

The interview is the second of our referendum specials giving you the opportunity to raise the issues that matter to you with the campaign leaders.

Last week we interviewed Better Together boss, former UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, and put a range of questions to him based on submissions suggested by readers.

Ms Sturgeon is at the forefront of the SNP campaign within the Yes Scotland camp.

She says Scotland would be better off economically and socially by being independent and said Scotland would be able to avoid the cuts being imposed from Westminster and ensure a welfare system is in place that protects the vulnerable.

The SNP states Scotland contributes more to the UK in taxes than it gets back in spending and, if independent, would be the world's sixth richest country.

The Yes campaign wants nuclear weapons removed from Scotland and for Scotland to remain in the European Union and NATO, and to be in a currency union with the rest of the UK, continuing to use the pound.

Support for independence in the latest opinion poll is less than 30%, but the SNP says the opposition to independence is also down and the number of undecided voters means there are many people ready to be convinced.

You can submit your questions related to the referendum, which will determine the topics put to the Deputy First Minister by using the comments section at the end of this article in the news section at www.eveningtimes.co.uk. The usual website rules apply.

stewart.paterson@ heraldandtimes.co.uk