The next court appearance for Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, has been officially delayed until after the upcoming Holyrood election. This significant postponement shifts the legal proceedings to a later date, altering the timeline of a high-profile case that has captured public attention across Scotland.
Court Date Rescheduled and Venue Changed
Initially, Murrell was scheduled to appear at the High Court in Glasgow for a preliminary hearing on February 20. This date was formally listed in the Court Rolls, which detail advanced court business. However, in a late update issued shortly before 6pm yesterday, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service announced that the hearing has been rescheduled to May 25, 2026, and the location has been changed to Edinburgh.
The official statement from the service clarified: 'The Court, having granted an application, has discharged the preliminary hearing scheduled for 20th February. The Preliminary hearing will now take place on 25 May 2026 at the High Court in Edinburgh.' This adjustment was made under Section 75A of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, a legal provision that allows courts to cancel existing dates and establish new ones.
Background of the Case and Charges
Peter Murrell, aged 61 and the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was charged in April 2024 as part of Operation Branchform, a Police Scotland investigation into the SNP's finances. A key figure within the party, he faces charges of embezzlement. During his initial appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March of last year, Murrell made no plea or declaration, leaving the legal process ongoing.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for over two decades before resigning in 2023 amid controversy over declining party membership numbers. His departure marked a significant shift in the party's leadership dynamics.
Legal and Financial Implications
Taxpayers are expected to cover Murrell's legal costs, as solicitors acting on his behalf had an application for legal aid approved last year. Although no payments have been made yet, a spokesman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board confirmed that Murrell's application met the necessary financial tests, which assess factors such as salary, bank balances, and investments to determine eligibility for public funding.
In a related development, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has emphasized the active nature of the case under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, noting significant public interest. The COPFS also stated that the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General were not involved in decisions regarding this case.
Investigation Costs and Broader Context
The financial toll of Operation Branchform continues to rise, with recent revelations indicating that overtime costs for the criminal investigation have exceeded £100,000. Overall spending by Police Scotland on the probe has increased by more than £60,000 in just six months, bringing total expenditure on salaries and overtime to nearly £2.3 million. Additionally, the Crown Office has reported spending £460,000, resulting in a published total of £2.76 million, though final calculations may push this figure higher.
Nicola Sturgeon, who was previously under investigation, has denied any wrongdoing and was informed by police in March last year that she is no longer under scrutiny. She stated at the time: 'I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong.' In January 2025, Sturgeon announced that she and Murrell had decided to end their marriage, adding a personal dimension to the ongoing legal and political saga.
This delay in Murrell's court hearing ensures that the proceedings will not coincide with the Holyrood election, potentially influencing the political landscape and public discourse surrounding the SNP's internal affairs. The case remains a focal point for discussions on party governance, legal accountability, and the use of public funds in high-stakes investigations.
