Breaking News: Former SNP chief Peter Murrell is set to return to court, sparking renewed interest in the ongoing investigation. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month, raising questions about the future of this high-profile case.
On January 19, 2026, it was announced that Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), will face a preliminary hearing. This follows an investigation by Police Scotland, known as Operation Branchform, into the party's finances. Murrell, aged 61, is charged with one count of embezzlement. He initially appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March of the previous year but made no plea or declaration at that time.
His preliminary hearing is set to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on February 20. This case has garnered significant attention, not least because Murrell is the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland. Murrell held the position of SNP chief executive for over 20 years, resigning in 2023 amid controversy surrounding the party's declining membership numbers.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has emphasized its commitment to acting independently and in the public interest. They acknowledge the considerable public interest in the case, which is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. This Act is designed to protect the integrity of legal proceedings, secure justice for victims, and safeguard the rights of those accused of crimes.
The COPFS has advised caution to anyone publishing information about the active case, as any commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses, or the accused could constitute contempt of court, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General were not involved in the decisions made in this case.
Adding to the complexity, the suburban home shared by Murrell and Sturgeon was searched by Police Scotland officers in April 2023. Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing and was informed by the police in March of the previous year that she was no longer under investigation. She stated at the time that she believed there was never any evidence of her involvement in any wrongdoing.
And this is the part most people miss... In January 2025, Sturgeon announced the end of her marriage to Murrell. The situation has been further complicated by the news that taxpayers are set to cover Murrell's legal costs, as his solicitors were granted legal aid last year. According to the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), the application for solemn legal aid was approved on April 30, 2025, with no payments made to date.
SLAB has clarified that when assessing eligibility for legal aid, they consider the applicant's financial position at the time of application, including salary, bank balances, and investments. Murrell's application met the required criteria for legal aid.
But here's where it gets controversial... The use of public funds to support legal costs in such a high-profile case is bound to raise eyebrows. Do you believe this is a fair use of taxpayer money, or should individuals in Murrell's position be responsible for their own legal fees? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
