Police investigating 'irregularities' in Alba Party finances

Police are investigating “irregularities” within Alba Party finances, the force has said.

A statement from Police Scotland said the issue had been reported on May 26 of this year, exactly two months after Kenny MacAskill beat Ash Regan in a leadership contest following the death of Alex Salmond.

A spokesman for the force said: “On May 26, 2025 we received a complaint from the Alba Party in relation to irregularities within their finances.

“The investigation into this matter is ongoing.”

An Alba party spokesperson said the “irregularities” were found during a review of party operations and finances, which was instigated by party founder and former First Minister Alex Salmond while he was alive, as he “had concerns with the management of the party”.

“This review was undertaken with the full support of the Alba Party NEC,” the spokesperson said.

“Subsequently a number of internal financial and administrative irregularities have come to light before and after the former General Secretary was dismissed for Gross Misconduct.

“In line with our legal and fiduciary duties these concerns have now been passed to the relevant authorities.”

Speaking to The Scotsman, Alba Party leader MacAskill said issues had come to light which “cause us great concern”.

He said: “Matters are being investigated by authorities.

“The Alba Party has made reports to the authorities and investigations are being carried out.

“Things have come to light that cause us great concern, and we have reported them to the authorities.”

The investigation comes after Alba’s only MSP in the Scottish Parliament quit the party earlier this month.

Regan announced on October 10 that she will now sit as an independent MSP representing the Edinburgh Eastern constituency in Holyrood until next May’s elections.

With her “unbuyable” Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill entering a crucial stage, Regan said it was “clear” that she could “best focus on those goals as an independent MSP”.

The Alba Party was established by Salmond, the former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, in 2021.

He died unexpectedly last October in North Macedonia.