Scotland's former first minister wants to get on with her life and her job after a week that saw her husband arrested and her home searched by police.

Nicola Sturgeon was speaking on Saturday for the first time since Peter Murrell was questioned over the SNP party's finances.

The SNP’s ex-chief executive was arrested and released without charge pending further investigation.

Ms Sturgeon told reporters recent days had been "obviously difficult".

Outside her Glasgow home, which was the subject of a two-day search by Police Scotland, the former party leader said: "Well, first off, there is obviously nothing I can say about the ongoing investigation.

Full co-operation

"As much as there are things I may want to say, I'm not able to do so, other than to say that, as has been the case, there will continue to be full co-operation.

"The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite traumatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process."

Asked if she had been questioned by officers, Ms Sturgeon replied: "I haven't, but I will fully co-operate with the police as and when they request that, if indeed they do."

The BBC states she declined to say whether detectives have indicated that they wish to speak to her.

Meanwhile, police have reportedly seized a luxury campervan from the home of Ms Sturgeon's mother-in-law in Dunfermline.

SNP auditor quits

On Friday, it emerged that the Aberdeen accountancy firm which audits the SNP's finances had resigned after working with the party for a decade.

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

The BBC says the party's treasurer is now seeking another auditor in order to comply with Electoral Commission rules.

Meanwhile, in an interview published at the weekend, the president of the SNP has said he does not think independence can be achieved "right now" as police continue investigating the party's finances.

Mike Russell said recent weeks had been "wearing" for the SNP, which recently selected Humza Yousaf to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader.

He said: "In my 50-year association with the party, this is the biggest and most challenging crisis we've ever faced, certainly while we've been in government.

"But I have an obligation to this party and the movement for Scottish independence that's been such a massive part of my life for so long."



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