Nicola Sturgeon said the last few days have been “obviously difficult” after the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell amid a police investigation into the SNP’s finances.
Speaking outside her home near Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon said in a brief statement that she understands “the scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure", adding that she intends to “get on with life and my job as you would expect”.
Earlier Mike Russell, the party’s president, said the SNP is facing its biggest crisis in 50 years amid a police investigation into its finances.
On Wednesday Mr Murrell, former SNP chief executive, was arrested by police investigating the spending of around £600,000 which was raised for the Scottish independence campaign. He was later released without charge pending further investigation.
Mr Russell, a former minister, also said he does not think independence can be achieved “right now”.
