Most people, even many SNP stalwarts, agree that there should be an inquiry into the Peter Murrell embezzlement case.

I accord with Noel Dolan, once Nicola Sturgeon’s own special adviser. He believes a senior lawyer from outside Scotland should be appointed to investigate.

That’s wise. It keeps politicisation to a minimum. However, if the intention is to reassure voters that our political parties are above board financially, then surely the remit should be expanded.

This article appears as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter.

All parties should be included if there is any history of fraud. In 2025, for instance, details emerged about a former Scottish Conservative party branch treasurer involved in a £1million VAT fraud and money-laundering scheme. 

Malcolm Macaskill - who was deemed unfit for trial due to a brain tumour - laundered £200,000 through his local Conservative parties in Glasgow and Rutherglen. 

Due to his illness, only an examination of the facts took place at court, and so no further action was taken.

He went on regular holidays, bought a Harley Davidson motorbike and travelled to London for Harrods’ shopping trips. 

He was an ex-district court judge, who had at one point described the Scottish Tories as “inept and morally corrupt”.

Then there’s Scottish Labour. In 2004, the former Labour treasurer in then First Minister Jack McConnell’s constituency admitted embezzling £11,000 from party funds. 

Elizabeth Wilson came under suspicion when a “black hole” was uncovered in branch finances.

McConnell was cleared........

© Herald Scotland