After Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP, authorities are weighing the sale of Nicola Sturgeon’s Uddingston home to recover the lost funds. The house, bought for £228,000 in 2005, sits on a street where recent sales have reached about £330,000.

£400,000 Embezzlement Sparks Home‑Sale Proposal

According to the source, Murrell stole the money over 12 years and used it for a £124,550 motorhome and a £107,620 loan to the party, of which £60,000 remains unpaid. A legal expert confirmed that the proceeds of crime legislation could compel the sale of the shared property to reimburse the SNP.

Shared Ownership Means Sturgeon Keeps Her Share

The house is jointly owned by Sturgeon and Murrell. If sold, Sturgeon would receive her portion while Murrell’s stake would be directed toward the party’s recovery. the source notes that the mortgage is likkely paid off given their salaries.

Police Raid Followed by Legal Ban on Sale

Detectives raided the property weeks after Sturgeon stepped down in March 2023, and prosecutors issued a legal ban preventing its sale. The source states that a verbal motion for confiscation was later put in place to recover assets acquired through criminal activity.

Donor Reimbursement and Parliamentary Calls for Inquiry

Former SNP donors could file civil claims to recover money, but the source indicates that such cases would likely fail if the party recoups funds via confiscation. Eight of eleven Westminster Scottish affairs committee members have urged an independent inquiry, though the Scottish Greens oppose it.

Key Unanswered Questions About the Sale Process

Who will oversee the sale and ensure proceeds go to the SNP? How will the sale value be determined relative to the £228 ,000 purchase price? Will any part of the proceeds be allocated to Sturgeon’s personal estate?