SNP treasurer arrested in party finance probe

Colin Beattie's been taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 18th Apr 2023
Last updated 29th Jan 2024

SNP treasurer Colin Beattie has been arrested in connection with a police investigation into the party's finances.

Police Scotland said the 71-year-old has been taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives.

The arrest of Mr Beattie, who also serves as an MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, is the second in relation to the investigation into how more than £600,000 in donations to the party earmarked for an independence referendum had been used.

Earlier this month, former party chief executive Peter Murrell was arrested and questioned for more than 11 hours before being released without charge "pending further investigation". Mr Murrell is the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Police said a report will be submitted to the Crown Office.

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