18 April 2023 , 08:13
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The SNP's Treasurer has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the party, Police Scotland has said.
Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie, 71, was taken into custody today and was questioned by detectives, the force said.
He was later released without charge, pending further investigation.
A Police Scotland statement said: "A 71-year-old man has today, Tuesday, 18 April 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
"The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."
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Mr Beattie served as the SNP's treasurer for 16 years before being ousted by MP Douglas Chapman in 2020. He returned to the role a year later when Mr Chapman resigned.
A spokesperson for the SNP said: "We have no comment on a live police investigation."
It comes a fortnight after Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell was arrested and questioned for more than 11 hours before being released without charge "pending further investigation".
Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell (right) was arrested and questioned by police, before being released without charge (PA)Police also searched the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh following the raid on Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon's Glasgow home.
Mr Murrell, 58, is the former chief executive of the SNP, who quit his role last month following a separate row over party membership figures.
The latest developments provide a fresh headache for new First Minister Humza Yousaf, who is due to set out his programme for government later today.
Mr Yousaf won a bitter contest to succeed Ms Sturgeon who stood down as First Minister and SNP leader last month after nearly nine years at the top of Scottish politics.
In a statement outside her home earlier this month, she said recent days had been "difficult" but that there would be "full co-operation" with the police investigation.
She said: "The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process."
Ms Sturgeon, who announced in February she would be standing back from the role of First Minister, added she intended to "get on with life and my job" after the arrest of her husband.
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She said: "As much as there are things I may want to say, I'm not able to do so, other than to say that, as has been the case, there will continue to be full cooperation."