Police Scotland investigating ‘irregularities’ in Alba Party finances

Police Scotland is investigating alleged "irregularities" surrounding the management of funds at the Alba Party.

The investigation was instigated by a complaint from within Alba concerning the party's finances. 

“On May 26, 2025, we received a complaint from the Alba Party in relation to irregularities within their finances,” said a spokesperson from Police Scotland. “The investigation into this matter is ongoing.” 

The complaint was submitted exactly two months after the election of Kenny MacAskill as party leader in March. MacAskill’s election came after the unexpected death of former first minister and party leader Alex Salmond in North Macedonia in October 2024. 

“The Alba Party has made reports to the authorities and investigations are being carried out,” MacAskill said in an interview with The Scotsman. “Things have come to light that cause us great concern, and we have reported them to the authorities.” 

An investigation into party finances and the operation of Alba Party HQ was instigated by Salmond before his death, as he had raised concerns about the management of the party.  

“A review of Alba Party HQ operations and finances was instigated by Alex Salmond while he was alive as he had concerns with the management of the party,” said a spokesperson for the party. “Subsequently a number of internal financial and administrative irregularities have come to light before and after the former general secretary was dismissed for gross misconduct.” 

In early 2025 Alba's general secretary, Chris McEleny a former SNP councillor, was suspended after being accused of gross misconduct for reportedly misrepresenting the party’s views in the media.  

In another blow, Alba’s only sitting MSP, Ash Regan, quit the party and became an independent earlier this month. Regan stood for election as party leader but lost out to MacAskill.