PETER Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, has been granted legal aid.
Murrell, who faces a charge of embezzlement, has had an application for solemn legal aid approved by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
Legal aid is usually granted to those who cannot afford to pay for legal help themselves, though in some cases they still need to make their own contribution.
According to the Scottish Legal Aid Board website: "Financial eligibility is just one of the tests for legal assistance. So even if you qualify financially there are additional tests which your case will need to satisfy."
The Scottish Legal Aid Board said no payments have been made so far, following a successful application for solemn legal aid by Murrell’s lawyers on April 30.
A spokesperson said: “When assessing an applicant’s eligibility for legal aid we look at their financial position at the time of their application to ensure they meet tests set by legal aid legislation.
“This includes information they give us about their salary, the amount of money they have in the bank and any investments, which might be available to fund their own defence privately.
“Peter Murrell’s application met the tests we have to apply when deciding whether to grant legal aid.”
Murrell, 60, was first arrested in April 2023 as part of the police investigation into the SNP’s finances.
He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March this year where he faced a charge of embezzlement, making no plea.
Until he stood down in 2023 during the leadership race to succeed Sturgeon, Murrell had been chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years.
Earlier this year Sturgeon announced she and Murrell had “decided to end” their marriage.
