Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been granted legal aid after being charged with embezzlement earlier this year.

Murrell, who is Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, was arrested in April 2023 in a police investigation into the SNP’s finances.

The 60-year-old was later re-arrested and charged with embezzlement.

He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March this year and made no plea.

Until he stood down in 2023 during the leadership race to succeed Sturgeon, Murrell had been chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years.

Earlier this year, the former first minister announced that the couple had “decided to end” their marriage.

On Wednesday, the Scottish Legal Aid Board confirmed an application for solemn legal aid by his solicitors was granted on April 30.

They said no payments have been made to date.

A spokesperson for Scottish Legal Aid Board said: “When assessing an applicant’s eligibility for legal aid, we look at their financial position at the time of their application to ensure they meet tests set by legal aid legislation.

“This includes information they give us about their salary, the amount of money they have in the bank and any investments, which might be available to fund their own defence privately.

“Peter Murrell’s application met the tests we have to apply when deciding whether to grant legal aid.”

Legal aid is usually granted to those who cannot afford to pay for legal help themselves, though in some cases they still need to make their own contribution.