FORMER SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today that her 14-year marriage to her party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell is over.

The announcement comes 18 months after the one-time power-couple were arrested, along with then SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, as part of a long-running Police Scotland probe into the party’s finances prompted by allegations that cash raised for a future independence campaign had instead been used for day-to-day expenditure.

All three were released without charge and Ms Sturgeon insisted “beyond doubt” that she was “innocent of any wrongdoing.” 

But almost a year later, in April 2024, Mr Murrell was rearrested and now faces charges relating to the alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Ms Strugeon said: “With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.

“To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.

“It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will.

“We will be making no further comment.”