Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of an event she was due to speak at this evening amid a police investigation into the SNP’s finances. 

The former first minister had been due to take part in a conversation with Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa, former chair of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, at Edinburgh Science Festival.

But the festival has now announced that Ms Sturgeon will no longer be taking part. 

An Edinburgh Science spokeswoman said: "While Nicola Sturgeon MSP is no longer attending our Climate of Change event, we are thrilled to be welcoming MSP Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, who will join ambassador Patricia Espinosa for this vital conversation."

Peter Murrell, Ms Sturgeon’s husband and the SNP's former chief executive, was arrested yesterday in connection to a long-running Police Scotland investigation into the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning. 

Mr Murrell was released without charge just before 7pm last night, pending further investigation. The SNP has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing during the course of the inquiry.

You can follow the latest updates below. 

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