Nicola Sturgeon has given her first major interview to the BBC following a highly turbulent period in which her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, admitted to embezzling around £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

The interview explores the complex intersection between her personal life and political responsibilities, as details emerged that stolen party funds had been used to purchase items that entered the couple’s shared household, including gifts later associated with Sturgeon herself.One notable example discussed was a £400 pendant bought from a Shetland jeweller, which she had been photographed wearing publicly.Sturgeon described feeling deep distress and confusion upon learning that such items were financed with misappropriated party funds.Throughout the interview, Sturgeon maintained that she had no knowledge of Murrell’s criminal activity.

She explained that their domestic arrangements were unusual due to her demanding role as First Minister, including separate finances and limited involvement in household management.

She stated that she contributed to household expenses while Murrell handled financial administration, and insisted that nothing in their home appeared beyond their means.

She also addressed other purchases linked to the embezzlement, including a Jaguar car and high-value watches, stating she had no awareness of these items until Murrell’s guilty plea.

Regarding the now-infamous motorhome linked to the case, Sturgeon said she may have been near it but had no conscious memory of seeing it and would not have recognised it as suspicious.

Politically, Sturgeon rejected claims that she failed in her oversight of SNP finances, arguing that responsibility lay with the party treasurer and that no obvious irregularities were apparent at the time.However, she acknowledged in hindsight that she should have removed Murrell from his position as chief executive earlier.She expressed that she felt deceived and betrayed, while also stating she has been unfairly vilified as a result of the scandal.Despite expressing sorrow, she did not offer apologies to donors or party members affected by the embezzlement.