Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon cleared in police investigation into SNP's finances

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is no longer under investigation by Police Scotland amid a probe into the SNP's funding and finances.

Meanwhile, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who is separated from Ms Sturgeon, has appeared in court charged with embezzlement.

Speaking outside her home on Thursday, Ms Sturgeon said she was "completely in the clear", adding: "That is the outcome I would always have expected.

"As I have said to all of you many times, I have done nothing wrong. So, I was confident of reaching this point and getting to this outcome, but obviously it is a relief now to have that confirmed."

Ms Sturgeon said for almost two years she had "this cloud of investigation" hanging over her.

She added: "I think it won't surprise anybody to hear me say that it's not been an easy experience, so to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about.

"I've been trying to get on with my life and I now intend to do that."

Responding to Sky News' Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies, Ms Sturgeon said she was limited in what she could say about an active police investigation.

But she added: "All I can say is that I have done nothing wrong and I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong."

Ms Sturgeon described herself as a "stronger person today" than she was when it all "kicked off".

She added: "That said, I wish none of it had happened."

Ms Sturgeon said she had "exciting things coming up" including the publication of her book, which is titled Frankly and is set for release on 14 August.

Murrell made no plea to the single charge when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier in the day.

The 60-year-old was granted bail with his next court appearance yet to be confirmed.

Murrell, who had been SNP chief executive since 1999, resigned in March 2023 amid a row over party numbers.

The following month he was arrested under Police Scotland's long-running Operation Branchform and was subsequently charged a year later with embezzling SNP funds.

The probe, which has been ongoing since July 2021, is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

Ms Sturgeon and ex-party treasurer MSP Colin Beattie were also arrested and released without charge as part of the investigation.

Mr Beattie has now been cleared alongside Ms Sturgeon.

In a statement posted online, Mr Beattie said he was "absolutely delighted" to be cleared of all suspicion.

The MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said: "While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong, the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me."

Mr Beattie thanked all those who offered support to both him and his wife.

He added: "Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North county constituency."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said the probe into Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie had concluded and both were no longer under investigation following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

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However, COPFS has warned that the case against Murrell is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

A spokesperson said: "Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused.

"Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine."

COPFS said prosecutors and independent counsel are dealing with Murrell's case without involving Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC or Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC.

The spokesperson added: "All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

"Where allegations are made against people or institutions in which the public have placed trust, it is the responsibility of the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there is evidence that criminal conduct has occurred.

"We understand public curiosity about this investigation. However, the Crown does not publicly share details of confidential inquiries where there are no proceedings in court.

"This protects the rights of the individuals concerned who are entitled to a presumption of innocence."

In January, Ms Sturgeon announced she had split from Murrell.

The pair, who first met via the SNP in 1988 and became a couple in 2003, married in 2010.

The Glasgow Southside MSP announced the separation in a post on Instagram, revealing they had been "separated for some time now" but "still care deeply for each other, and always will".

And just last week, Ms Sturgeon announced she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year.

She said: "I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life."

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