Peter Murrell appears in court charged with embezzlement

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has appeared in court charged with embezzlement.

Murrell, 60, made no plea in relation to a single charge of embezzlement. The case was committed for further examination and Murrell was granted bail.

Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of the long-running police investigation into the SNP’s finances, Operation Branchform.

He was later re-arrested and charged in connection with the alleged embezzlement of party funds.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel are dealing with this case without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

“These matters are 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.”