SNP treasurer Colin Beattie arrested in connection with finance probe

Colin Beattie MSP, the SNP’s national treasurer, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the party’s finances.

He is currently in custody and being questioned by police.

It follows the arrest two weeks ago of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was released without charge.

A statement from Police Scotland said: “A 71-year-old man has today, Tuesday 18 April 2023, been arrest as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.

“The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”

Beattie had been treasurer of the party between 2004 and 2020, until he was defeated by Douglas Chapman MP in an internal election.

Chapman resigned from the role in May 2021, claiming he had not been given enough information to do the job. Beattie resumed the role the following month.

Beattie is the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, a seat he’s held since 2011.