There was a time when political parties in the US and the UK laid claim to the fabled title of being “the natural party of government”.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, both Republicans and Democrats had long, unbroken periods in office – 24 and 20 years respectively.

As well as being an inherently anti-democratic idea, such a boast was never really supported by the electoral arithmetic in this country – the longest period of uninterrupted government was held by the Conservatives, between 1979 and 1997.

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If the SNP is, at least, the largest party after the next Scottish Parliament election, it could yet eclipse the Republican’s record, and then some. If it can overcome its current travails and triumph at the polls in 2026, it’s difficult to imagine another party challenging it under the current electoral system for Holyrood, ad infinitum.

As things stand, such a scenario continues to be a big “if”. Standing stubbornly in the way of the party’s continued recovery, following the disaster of last year’s general election, is a large Operation Branchform-shaped obstacle.

The police investigation into alleged financial corruption in the SNP has held a malign grip on Scottish politics since it was launched four years ago.

Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive, was charged in connection with embezzlement of funds last April and is awaiting trial.

It remains unclear whether any charges will be brought against the former party treasurer, Colin Beattie, or former leader, Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Murrell’s wife.

Both were arrested and released without charge in 2023 but are believed to be........

© Herald Scotland