Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell to appear in court next month

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell is to appear in court next month for a preliminary hearing, the Crown Office has announced.

Murrell, 61, is charged with one count of embezzlement.

He will now face a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on 20 February.

He made an initial appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March last year, where he made no plea and was granted bail.

He was arrested in 2023 as part of the long-running police investigation into the SNP’s finances, Operation Branchform.

He was later re-arrested and charged in connection with the alleged embezzlement of party funds.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “Scotland’s prosecutors act independently and in the public interest in all cases. COPFS understand there is significant interest  in  this matter which is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. 

“The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime. 

“Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused. Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. 

“The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General were not involved in decisions on this case.”