On Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
This follows the 61-year-old’s conviction, on 25 May, 2026, of embezzling funds in excess of £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of Police Scotland’s investigation into the embezzlement, Operation Branchform.
ACC Houston said: “Today’s sentencing of Peter Murrell – and a sentence of such duration – is proof that those who flout the law, who break the trust of those around them, and who embezzle vast sums of money will not escape justice, regardless of how high a profile or role they may hold.
“Operation Branchform has been an extremely detailed, complex and intricate enquiry, carried out over a protracted period of time in order to ensure a thorough investigation which fully exposed the extent of this wrongdoing, committed over a sustained period of time.
“Murrell occupied a significant position of privilege and power in public life in Scotland, entrusted to oversee the day-to-day operations of the country’s governing political party. His undeniably deliberate and calculated actions to mislead and steal for his own personal gain has proved his disregard for those who placed their trust in him.
“People came forward and told us of their sense and experiences of things not being right, and they are to be publicly commended – their statements, combined with our investigations, have led to the outcome we see today.
“Through ongoing close work with key criminal justice partners, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, this enquiry resulted in the compilation of such a robust case that an early admission of guilt was secured, enabling proceedings to conclude sooner rather than later.
“My sincere thanks go to the officers and staff of Police Scotland, who have committed their specialist knowledge, professionalism, commitment and expertise to this matter from start to finish, and without whom we would not have been able to achieve justice.
“Work remains to be undertaken in regards to the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to this case by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Police Scotland, and in particular the Cyber and Fraud Unit, will assist in this process and in any further investigations which may be required.”
