JOHN Swinney has addressed SNP members following the news she had been cleared in a police investigation into the party's finances.
On Thursday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said that their probe into both the former first minister and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie had concluded without charges being brought.
Speaking to journalists later on Thursday, Swinney said he shares "the relief" Sturgeon and Beattie will feel.
The First Minister and SNP leader said: "You will have seen the news today regarding the investigation into the Party’s finances. The proceedings have made it clear that the Scottish National Party may have been the alleged victim of embezzlement.
"However, that is an issue the courts will have to consider and it is important that we do not comment on those proceedings.
"Money raised from our members and supporters will always be used to pursue electoral success for the Party and to help us win Scotland’s independence. You have my personal assurance that is the case.
"The Party has worked tirelessly to introduce additional measures within our internal processes to ensure that we are getting the most out of every penny that is donated to us.
"This Saturday's special meeting of Party Conference will look at new structures to make sure that those measures are fully implemented.
"Under my leadership since last summer, our Party has pulled together and we are approaching the 2026 Scottish Parliament election with the confidence that we will be fighting to win.
"We have regained the political initiative, we are delivering for the people of Scotland, we are exposing the failures of the UK Labour Government and we are providing hope for the future through Independence.
"With your support, we can win. And whenever the SNP wins, Scotland wins."
The news that Sturgeon had been cleared came almost immediately after it was revealed that her estranged husband Peter Murrell had appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement.
He made no plea and was bailed. Murrell will return to court, but no date has been set.
Speaking after the announcement, Sturgeon said: “For almost two years I have had this cloud of investigation hanging over me.
“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 it is obviously something I am relieved about.
“I’ve been trying to get on with my life and I now intend to do that.”
