SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie arrested during investigation into party’s finances

SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, 71 has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the party’s finances, Police Scotland has confirmed.

Mr Beattie is the MSP for the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency and has served as the SNP’s treasurer for 16 years.

He briefly stepped back from his role after being defeated in an internal election by Douglas Chapman in 2020, but returned to his post when Mr Chapman resigned a year later.

His arrest comes two weeks after Peter Murrell, husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, was also arrested as part of the investigation into the SNP’s funding.

Mr Murrell was later released without charge.

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.

‘The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.

‘As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.’

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