Second court date set for former SNP chief Peter Murrell

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell is set to appear in court for the second time next month, the Crown Office has confirmed.

The estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is scheduled to appear at the High Court in Glasgow on February 20, 2026.

Murrell was charged with embezzlement as part of the ongoing police probe into the SNP’s finances in 2024.

He appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March 2025.

He made no plea in relation to a single charge of embezzlement. The case was committed for further examination, and Murrell was granted bail.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said: “Scotland’s prosecutors act independently and in the public interest in all cases. COPFS understand there is significant interest in this matter, which is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

“The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime.

“Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused. Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

“The lord advocate and solicitor general were not involved in decisions on this case.”