Police Scotland asks prosecutors for next steps on Nicola Sturgeon investigation

Police Scotland has asked for guidance on what further action should be taken in the investigation into Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP’s finances.

The force said it has handed over its findings so far to prosecutors and has asked for directions on the next steps of the probe known as Operation Branchform.

It’s understood the update is linked to the the former first minister and the SNP’s former treasurer Colin Beatie.

Both were arrested last year and released without charge, but remained under investigation.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On August 9, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken.”

Peter Murrell, Sturgeon’s husband, was charged in April with embezzlement of SNP funds.

The couple’s home in Uddingston was searched and items were taken as part of Operation Branchform last year. The SNP HQ in Edinburgh was also searched with items seized.

A spokesperson for the Procurator Fiscal Service previously said: “A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.

“Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.”

Professional prosecutors from the Crown and independent counsel were to review the report submitted by Police Scotland.

The Crown said it would make decisions on the next steps without any political influence – not involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General.

Before deciding what action to take, if any, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence.

Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision.