Operation Branchform: Timeline of SNP finance probe

The former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell, has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds.

His guilty plea follows Operation Branchform, a police investigation which also saw former first minister Nicola Sturgeon - who was married to Murrell - and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie arrested and questioned.

No charges were brought against Sturgeon and Beattie, and they were later told they were no longer under investigation.

Here are some of the key dates from the long-running controversy and police probe into the party's finances.

Graphics and video production by Morgan Spence

1 day ago

Police Scotland

Scottish independence

Scotland

Peter Murrell

Nicola Sturgeon

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Graham Simpson in a radio studio, he has short, grey hair and a white shirt.

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Graham Simpson talks to Scotcast about becoming a Reform MSP and quitting the Scottish Conservatives.

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The BBC's Glenn Campbell explains as a bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland passes an initial vote.

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Nicola Sturgeon stands in the foyer of the Scottish Parliament, she wears a black and white top

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Nicola Sturgeon gives her reaction to the landmark legal ruling.

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Supreme Court backs 'biological' definition of woman

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The drugs and alcohol minister stepped back from her role last summer with recurring breast cancer.

SNP minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57

The drugs and alcohol minister stepped back from her role last summer after announcing she had secondary breast cancer.

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John Swinney is solemn-faced as he looks at the camera, the room has wooden panelling and a Saltire flag

'SNP has been the alleged victim of embezzlement' - Swinney

John Swinney said his party is in a 'much clearer position' after ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was charged with embezzlement.

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'The SNP will never bring back tuition fees'

Scotland's Education Secretary said the policy had helped widen access to higher education.

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Nicola Sturgeon stands in front of the Scottish Parliament, she has short hair, wears a red top and cream jacket

'It's been an incredible chapter of my life'

The former first minister says the time is right for her to step down as an MSP.

Scotland Politics

Working as an MP at Westminster was 'pure anxiety'

Former SNP MP Mhairi Black discusses her time at Westminster in a new BBC documentary.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer wearing a grey tie and dark suit in front of red brick house.

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John Swinney accused Nigel Farage and his Reform party of being apologists for the Russians.

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John Swinney said it was time to "draw a line in the sand" against "a politics of fear".

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Anas Sarwar told his party conference that he would end the growing bureaucracy in the NHS.

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Yousaf said Musk "seems to highlight cases that involve only people of colour or Muslims".

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BBC political correspondent Phil Sim in a black suite and white shirt in the lobby of the Scottish Parliament.

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Anas Sarwar stood in the lobby of the Scottish Parliament with blurred lights behind him.

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