POLICE Scotland have responded after it was suggested that there was a “hold up” in the Operation Branchform investigation.
A spokesperson told The Herald that the force were waiting for a decision after presenting its findings to the Crown Office in August last year.
It comes after Scotland's top judge suggested that there has been a "hold-up" within Operation Branchform.
Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform in 2021 to examine the party’s use of funding and has charged former chief executive – and the husband of Nicola Sturgeon – Peter Murrell in connection with alleged embezzlement.
Sturgeon and former party treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested last year but released without charge, pending further investigation.
Lord Carloway, who is stepping down from his role as Scotland's Lord President – the country's most senior judge role – was asked by broadcasters about Operation Branchform.
He said: "I know absolutely nothing about Operation Branchform. I don’t know where the hold-up is, whether it’s with the police or the Crown Office."
The judge added: "It looks as though there is a hold-up, yes.”
When asked about the comment by The Herald, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "On August 9, 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken.”
Meanwhile, the newspaper also asked the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) about the remarks.
A spokesman for the COPFS said: "It would not be appropriate to comment in detail on steps taken by the Crown during an investigation.
“The investigation into SNP finances is being handled by professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel without the involvement of the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General.”
