THE five candidates vying for the Dumbarton constituency seat went head-to-head in Helensburgh to thrash out their differences on Faslane, health, and tourism.

The Advertiser team hosted the event with support from URTV and The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh town centre.

A packed and lively audience challenged the candidates on job prospects for graduates, the future of Faslane, and support for a second independence referendum.

The Holyrood hopefuls include: Jackie Baillie, of Scottish Labour; Maurice Corry, of Scottish Conservatives; Aileen Morton, of Scottish LibDems; Andrew Muir, Independent; and Gail Robertson, of the SNP.

Ruth Wishart, journalist and columnist, kicked off proceedings by introducing the candidates, who will face their fate when voters take to the polls on Thursday, May 5.

The candidates soon got stuck into the issue of the reduction of services at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Each of the MSP hopefuls made a point of making a verbal commitment to maintaining the future of the Vale hospital.

Whilst Mr Corry claimed he did not have enough evidence to either support or oppose fracking, stating that he would examine the facts once they were made more available, the other four candidates came out against fracking.

Ms Robertson said she would support the will of the people in relation to a second independence referendum, whilst the other candidates said the vote should be once in a generation.

Air passenger duty was also raised, with the LibDem candidate saying their party would not support a cut in the tax because the loss in income to the UK Government would be felt by a reduction in funding to local communities. They also claimed it was not as environmentally friendly.

The SNP candidate claimed the duty reduction would bring in jobs and billions for the Scottish economy.

The crowd was fairly split down the middle in terms of its support, despite a few eruptions in relation to the independence referendum and tax.

In closing, Mr Muir said there isn't enough care in the NHS.

Mr Corry said health needs continued support from the Scottish Parliament whilst the country must maintain a “strong strategic defence”. He added keeping Scotland in the UK is also key.

Ms Morton said said: “Local people have the best answer to local issues.”

She called on reversal of the centralisation policy of the SNP.

Ms Baillie said she's a “strong and passionate advocate for the area”. She said she would continue to hold the Scottish Parliament to account if re-elected.

She concluded: “If you want an apologist don't vote for me, if you want someone who will put your and your community first, vote fore me.”

Ms Robertson said the SNP will move Scotland forward with the powers they have. She said they'll look after the older generations as well as the future of health services.

Ms Robertson: “I'll put this constituency first.”

Ms Wishart praised the candidates for sitting in the hot seat and taking questions from the audience.