Thursday March 20th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Today Police Scotland confirmed that former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will face no action in their investigation into SNP finances.
The announcement came as Ms Sturgeon estranged husband, ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.
Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, has this afternoon issued this statement
“I am absolutely delighted that the police investigation which involved myself is now officially over and I have been completely cleared of all suspicion. It’s nearly two years since I was arrested and released without charge.
“The time since then has been very hard for myself and my wife and being able to live a normal life again, without almost daily press reminders and speculation about the investigation will be strange for a while. While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me.
“There is still an ongoing case – which does not involve myself – so I need to be circumspect in my references to this.
“I would like to thank the very many people who gave me, and my wife, their support and encouragement through the sometimes difficult times, including my constituents who stood by me and put their trust in me as their MSP.
“Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North County Constituency.”
On Tuesday Mr Beattie said that he would stand for re-election in the Holyrood elections next year, Colin Beattie to stand in 2026
Asked by Midlothian View whether he knew no further action would be taken by the Police when he announced his re-election bid on Tuesday Mr Beattie said
“I did not know that no further action would be taken by the Police when I announced on Tuesday that I had put my name forward for nomination as the Scottish Parliamentary Candidate for Midlothian North County Constituency. I was relying on my track record as an MSP to carry me through.”
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