Nicola Sturgeon still under investigation amid SNP probe, Crown Office says

NICOLA Sturgeon and Colin Beattie are still under investigation by the Crown Office amid a probe into the SNP’s finances, it has been confirmed.

The news comes alongside details of the investigation into the SNP – dubbed Operation Branchform – which emerged in the wake of Sturgeon’s decision not to stand for Holyrood in 2026.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, and first reported by the Scottish Daily Mail, showed that at the end of January at least £2.1 million had been spent on the probe into what happened to some £600,000 raised by the party to fight a second independence referendum.

The total cost of £2,106,961 “does not include pension contributions”, the Daily Mail reported.

Previously, a separate Freedom of Information request revealed that some £1.3m had been spent on Operation Branchform between 2021 and the start of 2024.

The investigation has so far seen Sturgeon, the former first minister and SNP leader, and Beattie, the former SNP treasurer, arrested, questioned, and released without charge.

However, Sturgeon’s now-former husband Peter Murrell, who was the SNP’s chief executive for more than 20 years, has been charged with embezzlement in connection with the investigation.

Police Scotland said that their investigation had concluded and they were awaiting directions from prosecutors at the Crown Office.

“On August 9 [2024] we presented the findings of the investigation to the Crown Office. We await their direction on what further action should be taken,” a spokesperson said.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has split from Peter Murrell (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) In their statement, the Crown Office said that the investigation into Murrell had concluded, but it was still looking at Sturgeon and Beattie.

A spokesman said: “A prosecution report has been received in relation to a 60-year-old man. 

“Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 73 and a 54-year old woman, remain ongoing.

“Prosecutors will review this report and make decisions on the next steps. Prosecutors operate independently of political influence.”

Operation Branchform was officially launched in July 2021, after a complaint was put in to police about the £600,000 by activist Sean Clerkin.

Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway, who recently retired as Scotland’s most senior judge, had suggested there appeared to be a “hold up” with progress.

However, defence KC Thomas Leonard Ross questioned that analysis.