The former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of a climate crisis event as police continue to investigate her husband in an inquiry into the Scottish National party’s finances.
Sturgeon had been due to take part in a conversation with the Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa, the former chair of the UN framework convention on climate change, at Edinburgh Science festival.
Peter Murrell, 58, was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with a Police Scotland investigation into the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
He was released from custody on Wednesday evening “pending further investigation”.
Police remained outside the home of Sturgeon and Murrell on Thursday.
Sturgeon cancelled the planned appearance, with her spokesperson saying she wanted to “keep the focus of the event on the critical issue of the climate emergency”.
The former first minister said through a spokesperson that she would “fully cooperate if required” with police after her husband’s arrest.
An Edinburgh Science spokesperson said: “While Nicola Sturgeon MSP is no longer attending our Climate of Change event, we are thrilled to be welcoming MSP Màiri McAllan, cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition, who will join ambassador Patricia Espinosa for this vital conversation.
“The Edinburgh Science festival has been proudly programming events such as these which highlight and inspire people of all ages and all backgrounds to action on our climate emergency for many years.
“We look forward to welcoming our audiences to this insightful and inspiring discussion.”
