John Swinney

I want to express my dismay at the further information that has been shared with the court this morning.

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

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

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

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

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.

If we are successful we will use that money for the purpose in which it was donated – securing Scotland’s rightful place as an independent country.

The NEC were unanimous in their position that we should seek to recover the funds stolen from us by Peter Murrell.

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.

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.

This is a very distressing situation for the residents of Coalsnaughton who have had to leave their homes with no clear indication of when they might be able to return.

We are committed to reforming the legal aid system through legislation to be introduced this parliamentary year to ensure it works more effectively.

That's why the Scottish National Party has already opened up discussions with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs on exactly that point.

I don't think it will be a surprise to members of the public that the Scottish National Party and John Swinney believe in Scottish independence.

It is important that public safety is prioritised and I’ve been assured that urgent work is under way to establish the causes of this incident.

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

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

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.

I have also ensured we have an open and transparent culture within the SNP through policy debates on our strategy and good internal scrutiny at National Council and at the National Executive Committee.

I am so incredibly grateful for that support – and it is the measure of a party that is focused resolutely on the ultimate goal which we share.

Indeed, as of yesterday, we raised £25,000 in just over a week – far beyond the level we would ordinarily see outwith an election period.

I do not think I can adequately convey the extent of the hurt, anger and betrayal that I and every member of my party feels at his actions.

What is important is that the SNP resources are used for the purposes for which they are intended, and that is exactly what I want to make sure is the case.

In a cost of living crisis, it is right that those with the broadest shoulders contribute a bit more – while the majority of taxpayers in Scotland continue to pay less tax than elsewhere in the UK.

Nobody was ostracised, nobody was demonised for what they said.