skip to main content

Scottish police seize luxury motorhome as part of SNP investigation

Scottish police officers at the home of former chief executive of the Scottish National Party Peter Murrell earlier this week
Scottish police officers at the home of former chief executive of the Scottish National Party Peter Murrell earlier this week

A luxury campervan has reportedly been seized by police investigating the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s finances.

A Niesmann+Bischoff motorhome was taken from a house in Fife at the same time police searched the home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, according to UK newspaper, the Mail on Sunday.

The same model of campervan can sell for around 110,000 pounds (€12,4278).

Niesmann+Bischoff motorhomes (image credit: www.niesmann-bischoff.com)

Mr Murrell, the party's former chief executive, was arrested on Wednesday by police probing the spending of around 600,000 pounds (€677,880) which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

He was released later that day pending further investigation.

As well as Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon's home near Glasgow, Scottish police officers also searched the SNP's headquarters in Edinburgh and removed boxes of items.

The ongoing investigation has been described by SNP president Mike Russell as the party's biggest crisis in 50 years.

Yesterday, Ms Sturgeon spoke publicly for the first time since her husband's arrest, addressing reporters outside her home.

Nicola Sturgeon speaking to the media yesterday

In a short statement, she said the last few days had been "obviously difficult" and that she would "fully co-operate" with the police investigation.

She said Mr Murrell is home but "not able to say anything" about his arrest while the inquiry continues.

"Again, that's not necessarily a matter of choice. That's just the nature of this".

She added that she intends to "get on with life and my job".

Earlier, it emerged that the accountancy firm which had audited the SNP's books for more than a decade had resigned.

Johnston Carmichael informed the party of the decision before Mr Murrell's arrest.

The party's treasurer is now seeking another auditor in order to comply with electoral commission rules.

A police investigation is ongoing.