Date set for preliminary hearing in Peter Murrell embezzlement case
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed Mr Murrell will appear in court next month
Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive who is Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, is scheduled to appear in court over a charge of embezzlement next month.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed a preliminary hearing has been set for February 20 at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 61-year-old was first arrested in April 2023 as part of the police investigation into the SNP’s finances.
He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March last year where he faced a charge of embezzlement, making no plea. He is accused of embezzling party funds, although the full details of the allegations are not yet known.
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Until he stood down in 2023 during the leadership race to succeed Ms Sturgeon, Mr Murrell had been chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years, and was considered a key architect of the party’s electoral success.
A spokesperson for the COPFS acknowledged the “significant” level of interest in the case, but issued a warning over contempt of court rules.
“Scotland’s prosecutors act independently and in the public interest in all cases,” they said. “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.”
Police searched the suburban home shared by Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon over two days in April 2023.
Ms Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were arrested that year but released without charge. Last year, Police Scotland confirmed they were no longer under investigation.
Speaking at the time, Ms Sturgeon said: "For almost two years, I have had this cloud of investigation hanging over me. I think it won't surprise anybody to hear me say that has not been an easy experience. So to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about."
She added: "I have done nothing wrong, and I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong."
The former first minister announced the end of her marriage to Mr Murrell last January. The pair had been one of the most powerful couples in UK politics, with Ms Sturgeon serving for more than eight years as first minister and SNP leader.
Writing on Instagram, Ms Sturgeon said: “With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.
“To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.
“It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will. We will be making no further comment.”