He stated that the search warrant was independently approved by a judge and that the move was "proportionate and necessary." Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, was arrested in the couple's home shortly before the search took place, and after nearly 12 hours of questioning by detectives, he was released without charge.

Nearly two weeks later, the SNP's then treasurer, Colin Beattie, was arrested at his home and questioned by police.

Both men were released without charge, pending further inquiries.

The search warrant was issued as part of Operation Branchform, an ongoing inquiry into the Scottish National Party's finances and its use of donations from independence supporters.

The inquiry has been described as long-running and exhaustive by Livingstone.

The decision to erect the large tent outside Sturgeon's home provoked a furious response from her allies, who accused the police of unjustified theatrics.

Murray Foote, the SNP's former head of communications at Holyrood, described the use of tents as a "grotesque circus" and claimed that if no charges or prosecutions ensued, "the reputational cost [for the police and Crown Office] will be far more substantial than the cash spent on manpower." Sturgeon has begun a weekly newspaper column in the Glasgow Times and has resumed public speaking engagements.

Livingstone confirmed that he was aware in advance that the forensic tent would be used but declined to comment on whether any further arrests would follow.

Overall, the search of Sturgeon's home has been deemed proportionate and necessary by Scotland's chief constable, who defended the decision to use a forensic tent to protect the rights of individuals involved in the ongoing inquiry.