Police 'seize high-end campervan in SNP finances probe'

Searches have also been carried out at the former First Minister's home in Glasgow and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh

The former First Minister addresses reporters outside her home yesterday.
Author: Kara ConwayPublished 9th Apr 2023

A luxury campervan has reportedly been seized by police investigating the SNP's finances.

A Niesmann + Bischoff motorhome was taken from a house in Fife at the same time police searched the home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The same model of campervan can sell for around £110,000.

Mr Murrell, the party's former chief executive, was arrested on Wednesday by police probing the spending of around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

He was released later that day pending further investigation.

As well as Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon's home near Glasgow, Police Scotland officers also searched the SNP's headquarters in Edinburgh and removed boxes of items.

The ongoing investigation has been described by SNP president Mike Russell as the party's biggest crisis in 50 years.

Former First Minister addresses reporters

On Saturday, Ms Sturgeon spoke publicly for the first time since her husband's arrest, addressing reporters outside her home.

In a short statement, she said the last few days had been "obviously difficult" and that she would "fully co-operate" with the police investigation.

She said Mr Murrell is home but "not able to say anything" about his arrest while the inquiry continues.

"Again, that's not necessarily a matter of choice. That's just the nature of this," she added.

The Glasgow Southside MSP said she intends to "get on with life and my job, as you would expect me to".

Earlier, it emerged that the accountancy firm which had audited the SNP's books for more than a decade had resigned.

Johnston Carmichael informed the party of the decision before Mr Murrell's arrest.

The party's treasurer is now seeking another auditor in order to comply with Electoral Commission rules.

Police Scotland have said their investigation is ongoing.

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on the hour, every hour, at Forth 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Forth app, on your DAB radio, online at Forth1.com, or say ‘Play Forth 1’ on your Smart Speaker.