Former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie has responded to the news that he will face no action in their investigation into SNP finances.
The announcement came as ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.
The SNP MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, has this afternoon issued the following statement
“I am absolutely delighted that the police investigation which involved myself is now officially over and I have been completely cleared of all suspicion. It’s nearly two years since I was arrested and released without charge.
“The time since then has been very hard for myself and my wife and being able to live a normal life again, without almost daily press reminders and speculation about the investigation will be strange for a while. While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me.
“There is still an ongoing case – which does not involve myself – so I need to be circumspect in my references to this.
“I would like to thank the very many people who gave me, and my wife, their support and encouragement through the sometimes difficult times, including my constituents who stood by me and put their trust in me as their MSP.
“Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North County Constituency.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
