Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been granted legal aid after being charged with embezzlement earlier this year.
Mr Murrell, who is Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband, was arrested in April 2023 following a police investigation into the SNP's finances.
He is currently facing an embezzlement charge related to funds of the party he ran for more then 20 years. Now the 60-year old has had an application for solemn legal aid approved by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
A spokesperson for Scottish Legal Aid Board 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.”
Operation Branchform is investigating what happened to £660,000 of donations given to the party. My Murrell made no plea at Edinburgh sheriff court in March and was granted bail.