Nicola Sturgeon has said the situation has been "incredibly difficult" after her husband was charged in connection with alleged embezzlement of funds.
Speaking to media outside her home in Glasgow, the former Scottish First Minister told reporters: "I can't say any more". She asked for peace for her neighbours before leaving by car. It comes after her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was re-arrested and charged last night.
The development - described by First Minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf as "a really serious matter indeed" - came more than a year after Mr Murrell was originally arrested as part of the investigation known as Operation Branchform.
The SNP leader said: "As per the police statement, it is a very serious development. As per the police statement, it's an allegation of embezzlement from the party. That's really serious indeed."
Mr Yousaf added: "Many people in the SNP, right across Scottish politics, will be shocked by the news."
The force said in a statement: "A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, April 18 been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party. The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on April 5, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.
"A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course. The man is no longer in police custody. As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further. 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."