POLICE Scotland have confirmed that former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is no longer a suspect in their investigation into the SNP's finances.
The Dreghorn-born politician had been under investigation since the probe began in March 2023.
The announcement that she'd been cleared came after Ms Sturgeon's husband, the former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, March 20) facing charges of embezzlement.
He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.
Speaking outside her Glasgow home today, Ms Sturgeon told reporters: "As I have said to you many times, I have done nothing wrong so I was confident of reaching this point and getting to this outcome.
"Obviously it is a relief now to have that confirmed."
She said for almost two years she had a "cloud of investigation hanging over me", adding: "It won't surprise anyone to hear that has not been an easy experience.
"All I can say is I have done nothing wrong and I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong.
"Therefore, of course to have something like this hanging over me for two years now has been difficult and frustrating - and I don't think I am saying anything there that people would be surprised to hear."
She added: "I was first minister of this country for the best part of a decade, I have utmost respect for the police and the prosecution authorities in our country and I'm never going to say or do anything to undermine that.
Police also confirmed former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was also no longer under investigation.
Ms Sturgeon, a former Greenwood Academy pupil, and Mr Murrell recently announced they had separated.
Mr Murrell was charged in April of last year, having been arrested and released without charge the previous year.
SNP MSP Mr Beattie was arrested and released without charge in April 2023.
Two months later, Ms Sturgeon was also arrested and released without charge.
Police Scotland today confirmed that inquiries into Sturgeon and Beattie had "concluded".
The force said the pair had "not been charged and are no longer under investigation".
During the probe Ms Sturgeon's home was searched by police officers looking into what happened to £660,000 of donations given to the SNP by independence activists.
Police also searched the party's headquarters in Edinburgh and confiscated a luxury motorhome parked in the driveway of Mr Murrell's mother in Fife.
The investigation, called Operation Branchform, has lasted more than two years.
Ms Sturgeon recently announced she will be stepping down as an MSP in next year's Scottish election.
She is expected to launch her book, entitled Frankly, in August this year.
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