'It is incredibly difficult' says Sturgeon as husband charged

FORMER Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken to the media for the first time since her husband was charged by police as part of a probe into SNP finances.

Ms Sturgeon appealed for privacy as she spoke briefly to journalists outside the home in Glasgow that she shares with Peter Murrell yesterday.

The 59-year-old former chief executive of the SNP was on Thursday charged by police in connection with the alleged embezzlement of funds.

The development - described by First Minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf as "a really serious matter indeed" - came more than a year after Mr Murrell was originally arrested as part of the investigation known as Operation Branchform.

On Thursday morning, Mr Murrell was re-arrested by Police Scotland officers, with the force confirming that evening that he had been charged as part of the probe.

Speaking to media outside the couple's home in Glasgow yesterday, Ms Sturgeon said the situation was "incredibly difficult."