Can a bit of razzmatazz get people interested in politics again? Can voters, increasingly apathetic about turning out on polling day, be enticed back to old-style political hustings if the events are made interesting enough?
Broadcaster Lesley Riddoch believes it's not too late to lure people back into the political process and will be backing that belief by chairing 10 major hustings around the country.
These will not only feature celebrity guests and good music to get the crowds going, they will also embrace the new media by giving everyone the chance to engage fully in the events - with The Herald assisting by providing a link via our website so people can see or listen to them through podcasts.
These "votepod" debates start on Monday with a hustings on student and young people's issues. The biggest event promises to be global warming and other green issues, on April 17, when there is a chance all the main party leaders will participate.
Ms Riddoch said: "Are Scots apathetic about politics or just fed up with un-entertaining meetings? We're hoping to tap into public energy about how Scotland is run with these big votepod debates."
The events, with backing from the Big Lottery Fund and BT, are free, except for one in Aviemore, which is also a charity fundraiser. Ms Riddoch said: "Each will be fronted by great musical acts worth coming to see in their own right. How will top politicians respond to warmed up' audiences?"
Monday's lunchtime event will be held at Edinburgh University's McEwan Hall with Sarah Boyack, Deputy Environment Minister from Labour, Fiona Hyslop, SNP, Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrats, Murdo Fraser, Conservatives, Mark Ballard, Greens, Colin Fox, SSP, Tommy Sheridan, Solidarity, and the independent MSP Margo McDonald. The Big Votepod debates
March 19 Big Student Debate - McEwan Hall, Edinburgh University, 12pm, with Janey Godley.
April 12 Seniors Big Debate - Albert Halls, Stirling, 1pm, with Sheena Wellington.
April 16 Big Wellbeing Debate - AK Bell Library, Perth, 7pm, with St Andrew of the Woollen Mill and friends (inc. Michael Marra and Kevin Murray).
April 17 Big Green Debate - The Hub, Edinburgh, 7.30pm, with Capercaillie.
April 19 Big Energy Debate - Caird Hall, Dundee, 6pm, with the Hazey Janes.
April 20 Big Cairngorm Debate - MacDonald Aviemore Centre, 7pm, with Babelfish (Adam Sutherland and Iain Copeland from Peat Bog Faeries and Andy Thorburn from Blazing Fiddles). This event is ticketed at £4 (£2 concessions) to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
April 23 Big Grey Power Debate, City Chambers, Glasgow, 2pm, with Sheena Wellington.
April 25 Big Neighbourhood Debate - Ocean Terminal, Leith, 7pm, music to be confirmed.
April 26 Big Island Debate - Aros Centre Skye, 7pm, music to be confirmed.
April 30 Big Skills Debate - Abertay University, Dundee, 7pm, with Sheena Wellington. www.scottishvotepods.com
