SNP Accounts Detail Zero Value for Peter Murrell's Luxury Motorhome

The Scottish National Party's most recent accounts declare the luxury motorhome acquired by former chief executive Peter Murrell as having zero value. The vehicle, originally purchased for £124,550, is central to an ongoing police investigation into the alleged embezzlement of £400,000.

The party’s audited accounts, published for the year ending 31 December 2022, include a note detailing the motorhome's depreciation. It states, "During 2022, the party purchased a motorhome. The asset has been fully impaired in these accounts." This accounting decision reflects the current legal and financial uncertainties surrounding the asset.

Police Scotland's inquiry, named Operation Branchform, saw Mr Murrell, the husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, arrested and subsequently released without charge earlier this year. The investigation also led to the arrests of Ms Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, both of whom were also released without charge. The police investigation is continuing.

The motorhome, a Niesmann + Bischoff vehicle, was acquired by Mr Murrell as the SNP prepared for the 2021 Holyrood election campaign. While initially intended as a mobile campaign hub, the vehicle was never ultimately used for this purpose. Its purchase and subsequent accounting treatment underscore the financial controversies currently engulfing the party leadership.