FORMER SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon remains under investigation as part of a three-year probe into the party’s finances, according to the head of Police Scotland.

Operation Branchform was launched in 2021 amid allegations that £666,953 crowdfunded by the SNP for a future referendum campaign had been used for other purposes.

Shortly after she stood down last year, Mrs Sturgeon, former party chief executive Peter Murrell and party treasurer Colin Beattie, were arrested in connection with the inquiry before being released without charge.

In April 2024 however, Mr Murrell, who while SNP chief executive in 2021 had loaned his employers £107,620 — apparently without the knowledge of his party leader and wife Mrs Sturgeon — was formally charged with embezzlement.

Police Scotland’s chief constable Jo Farrell said she could not confirm when the Operation Branchform inquiry will end as it is still “ongoing.”

In the wake of her arrest, Ms Sturgeon told journalists she insisted she had “done nothing wrong” and has refused to comment since.