Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been charged in connection with embezzlement of SNP funds following a police investigation into the party’s finances.

The 59-year-old husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was taken into custody for questioning at 9.13am on Thursday morning, more than a year after his first arrest.

Police confirmed on Thursday evening that he has been charged in connection with their investigation into SNP finances.

In a statement, Police Scotland said: "The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on April 5, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.

“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course. The man is no longer in police custody. As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

An SNP spokesperson said: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment."

Mr Murrell has resigned his SNP membership, the party confirmed.