An ongoing investigation into SNP finances must be free from "political interference", the country's most senior police officer has said.
Iain Livingstone, who will soon retire as Chief Constable of Police Scotland, insisted today that Operation Branchform was being conducted with “integrity”.
In his first public comments on the investigation, the top cop added: “Police investigations must be allowed to progress without any form of political interference.”
Detectives are examining how more than £600,000 of donations to the SNP were ultimately spent.
Operation Branchform was launched two years ago but stepped up a gear in April with two high-profile arrests.
The investigation has rocked the world of Scottish politics and overshadowed Humza Yousaf's first months in office since he succeeded Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader.
Livingstone said: "Under Operation Branchform, a dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s specialist crime division continue their investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
“A diligent, thorough and proportionate criminal inquiry is being conducted with integrity.
“Two individuals have been arrested and subsequently released without charge, pending further investigation, investigations which continue.”
The chief constable said he recognises there is a high level of interest in the case, but he urged against speculation which could undermine the inquiry.
Timescales of the probe will be set by investigative considerations rather than political ones, he said.
He continued: “I would request, I would urge, all civic leaders – if offering any comment or thoughts on what is a live investigation, to act with prudence and responsibility.
“Wholly inaccurate assertions and uninformed speculation will only serve to damage justice, infringe the rights of individuals and undermine the rule of law.”
The investigation has led to the arrest of former chief executive Peter Murrell – Nicola Sturgeon’s husband – and the party’s treasurer at the time, Colin Beattie.
Both men were released without charge pending further investigation.
On Wednesday, former first minister Sturgeon described the developments as “unexpected and unwelcome”.
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