I understand the urgency of resolving this issue at the earliest possible opportunity so people can get their lives back on track, and I welcome the opportunity to hear about the work being done to support them.

It is absolutely critical that they are provided with clear communication and further clarity as soon as possible on what will happen in the coming weeks.

We agreed unanimously to act to secure the party’s interests by instructing our solicitors to begin action in court to recover the money that has been stolen from us.

The SNP is the party of independence and that’s what we campaign on.

I’m saying, it’s part of the ongoing activities of the Scottish National Party.

What’s important is the SNP resources are used for the purposes they are intended.

It’s part of the ongoing activities of the Scottish National Party and we are the party that campaigns for independence.

I feel absolutely gutted at the behaviour that has been perpetrated against decent hardworking members of the party who just simply wanted to do their best for the cause, and they have been betrayed.

It’s not about having too much power. It’s about abusing the systems that were in place.

And as Scotland’s First Minister, I want to make it clear that I intend to deliver on that goal – and secure the fresh start that Scotland so desperately needs.

And despite everything that the British establishment and Unionist parties have thrown at us – polls show majority support for independence.

It’s a deeply distressing situation. So it’s important in all of those cases that individuals are well supported.