SNP Accounts Detail Motorhome Write-Off as Police Scotland Embezzlement Inquiry Continues

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has formally accounted for the £124,550 purchase of a luxury motorhome, writing it off in their latest financial statements. The vehicle, a Niesmann + Bischoff Flair 920, was acquired by Peter Murrell, the party's former Chief Executive and husband of ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, in 2021.

Police Scotland's investigation into the party's finances, dubbed Operation Branchform, centres on allegations of embezzlement totalling over £400,000. This sum reportedly includes the motorhome purchase and funds designated for independence campaigning.

The annual accounts, signed off by party treasurer Stuart MacMillan, note that the vehicle was sold in November 2023 for £75,000, resulting in a £49,550 loss to the party. The accounts state the motorhome was bought "for campaigning purposes" but was "never used".

Mr Murrell was arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation in April 2023 before being released without charge pending further inquiries. Subsequently, Ms Sturgeon was also arrested and released. Both have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The ongoing police inquiry has seen properties associated with Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon searched, including their Glasgow home and the SNP's Edinburgh headquarters. The motorhome itself was reportedly found in the driveway of Mr Murrell's mother's address in Dunfermline.