Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell are “still living together” in their family home, sources have revealed, despite the pair’s recent announcement that they have separated.
The ex-Scottish First Minister revealed with a “heavy heart” at the beginning of this week that her marriage to the former SNP chief executive was over after almost 15 years.
The pair first met at an SNP youth event in 1988 and had been together since 2003 — tying the knot in 2010.
Writing on Instagram, Sturgeon said: “With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.
The pair first met at an SNP youth event in 1988 and had been together since 2003 — tying the knot in 2010
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“To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.
“It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will”, she said, adding that they will be making no further comments on the breakup.
It is understood that Sturgeon and Murrell have “no immediate plans” to leave their home in Uddingston, near Glasgow, and will continue to live together.
A source told The Sunday Times: “This isn’t an acrimonious divorce. It is two people who care for one another but no longer want to be in a marriage together so there is no rush to move.”
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The ex-Scottish First Minister revealed with a ‘heavy heart’ at the beginning of this week that her marriage to the former SNP chief executive was over after almost 15 years
PA
The pair have not been seen in public together for almost two years and Sturgeon has recently been photographed without her wedding ring.
After her shock resignation in 2023 following eight years in the role, Sturgeon insisted that her marriage “was not something anyone should worry about”.
Last year, Murrell was charged in connection with the embezzlement of SNP funds. Sturgeon and former treasurer Colin Beatie were also arrested – but the pair were released without charge.
The now-separated duo remain under investigation as part of Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform into allegedly missing party finances – approximately £600,000 raised by the party for independence campaigning.
The couple’s home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, was searched by police and forensics officers as part of the probe.
Last year, Murrell was charged in connection with the embezzlement of SNP funds
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McDermid is ‘increasingly frustrated’ about the suggestions that her relationship with Sturgeon is more than platonic
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Speaking after being released by police in June 2023, she insisted “beyond doubt” she was “innocent of any wrongdoing”.
Since the announcement, speculation about Sturgeon’s living arrangements have been rife.
She was recently pictured leaving the alleged Edinburgh flat of Val McDermid, a crime novelist and good friend of Sturgeon for over 10 years.
McDermid has featured prominently on the ex-Scottish First Minister’s Instagram page over the past year.
However, sources close to McDermid have said that the writer is “increasingly frustrated” about the suggestions that her relationship with Sturgeon is more than platonic.
“The implication here is that Val is having an extra-marital affair, which is both laughable and offensive,” a source said.
It is also understood that McDermid does not live in the flat in the capital, instead living with her wife Jo Sharp at a different address.