Early Notification of Murrell Charge
First Minister John Swinney was informed of the criminal charge against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell nearly a year ago, according to documents released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
The files reveal that Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain first wrote to Swinney in March 2025 to notify him that Murrell had been charged with embezzling £460,000 from the SNP. This contrasts with earlier assumptions that the government only learned the amount last month.
Murrell has yet to enter a plea on the embezzlement charge, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 25 May.
Lord Advocate's Communications and Legal Duties
Bain's letter to the government was part of a list of nearly 30 cases in which the lord advocate has updated either the Scottish or UK governments over the past three decades. These cases include the Glasgow Airport terror attack, the death of Sheku Bayoh, the Lockerbie bombing, and investigations into the deaths of two inmates at Polmont Young Offenders Institute.
The Crown Office stated that the documents demonstrate the lord advocate acted in accordance with her legal responsibilities. Bain holds a dual role as Scotland's chief prosecutor and as the government's principal legal adviser, a position she fulfills as a cabinet minister.
Controversy Over January Email
Last week, Bain faced criticism from Tory and Labour MSPs in the Scottish Parliament after she was called to explain an email she sent to Swinney on 19 January, which contained details of the charge against Murrell. This email was subsequently shared with senior civil servants and special advisers.
The indictment was not reported in the media until nearly a month later, on 13 February. The COPFS documents confirm that Swinney was first informed of the £460,000 figure in March 2025.
During parliamentary sessions, Bain explained that she sent the January memo to inform Swinney of a significant development in the case, to remind ministers not to comment on live proceedings, and to clarify that she was not involved in the prosecution.
The COPFS has consistently stated that Bain is not involved in the Murrell case due to its political nature. The lord advocate also denied providing the government with any political advantage, stating that the memo was sent because the indictment could become public at any time after being served to Murrell.
Opposition Reactions and Calls for Reform
Opposition MSPs highlighted that after the email was sent, the COPFS informed journalists that details of the indictment could not be published until the preliminary hearing. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay commented on the email, stating:
"The email smacks of corruption."
Labour chief Anas Sarwar described the explanations offered by Swinney and Bain as:
"Not credible."
The Scottish Conservatives have called for the abolition of the lord advocate's dual role, arguing it creates a conflict of interest, while Labour has demanded an investigation into whether Bain misled parliament.
Background on Peter Murrell
Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, resigned as SNP chief executive in 2023 after serving in the role for over twenty years. He was charged with embezzlement in April 2024.
He faces allegations of embezzling £459,000 between August 2010 and January 2023, including illicit purchases of luxury goods, two cars, and a motorhome using party funds.
