Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Arrested in Connection with SNP Finance Inquiry

The inquiry, codenamed Operation Branchform, began almost two years ago when complaints were made about the handling of more than £660,000 donated to the SNP by activists.

Sturgeon was released without charge pending further investigation, but her husband Peter Murrell and SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested and questioned before being released.

The police have searched the homes of both Murrell and Beattie, as well as the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh, and seized a luxury motorhome from outside Murrell's mother's home.

Sturgeon has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to cooperate with the investigation.

The case remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, and anyone, including politicians and members of the public, must be careful about what they say to avoid prejudicing any future trial.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) will decide whether to prosecute Alison Sturrock, Derek Mitchell, and James Beattie based on evidence and public interest, with the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General not involved in the decision-making process.

If there is insufficient evidence, further inquiries may be carried out, but if the evidence still does not meet the necessary tests, the case will not proceed to court.

The public interest will be taken into account, and whether the person involved was in a position of trust or authority may influence the decision.

The titles for Police Scotland investigations are chosen randomly and do not hold any specific meaning.