FORMER SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and party treasurer Colin Beattie have expressed relief that they are no longer under investigation, as the party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell faces embezzlement charges.

Operation Branchform, a four-year investigation into SNP finances, now appears to be drawing to a close.

A Police Scotland statement said: “Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal inquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded.

“The 73-year-old man arrested on April 18, 2023 and the 54-year-old woman arrested on June 11, 2023 have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.”

Describing himself as “very relieved,” Mr Beattie said: “I knew myself that I had done nothing wrong, but two years is a long time to be waiting for a result.

“It’s been a hard time for my family, my wife and myself and I still haven’t quite taken it on board.”

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”

Speaking of her relief, Ms Sturgeon said: “I have done nothing wrong and I don’t think there was a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong.

“I am completely in the clear.”

For Ms Sturgeon’s husband — from whom she has now separated — former SNP chief executive Mr Murrell, there was little relief however as he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court facing charges of embezzlement.

He made no plea and was released on bail.  

Commenting, SNP First Minister John Swinney said: “We are in a much clearer position, because what has emerged from the proceedings in court today is that the SNP may be the alleged victim of embezzlement and that is the issue the courts have got to consider.”