Nicola Sturgeon has said the investigation surrounding the SNP’s finances has made her “stronger” as she prepares to step down from Holyrood.
The former first minister gave her final interview before she steps down in May after 27 years as an MSP.
She was arrested in June 2023 as part of Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform probe.
However, she was released without charge and told of her relief after the force announced she would face no action.
Her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was subsequently charged with embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.
Mr Murrell will appear in court in May.
Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said the probe had not “soured” her as a person.
"On the contrary, some of the things that have happened in the last couple of years, last three years, I would dearly love to be able to erase and have them never happen, but I also know that they’ve made me a stronger person,” she said.
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“They’ve made me somebody who’s got a much keener appreciation of what matters in life, who matters in life.
“It maybe sounds bizarre to say, but I’m probably a happier person having gone through the last few years than I might have been otherwise.”
Ms Sturgeon announced her shock resignation as first minister in February 2023.
She leaves Holyrood as one of the original MSPs, representing Glasgow and the southside for 27 years.
She said not standing for election was a “bit surreal”.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I think, overall, I feel what I would describe as quite contented.
“I’m not going to pretend that having been here, it having been such a central part of my life – being my life – for 27 years, that I don’t feel any sadness, of course I do.
“But I’m ready to move on, I’m excited about the next phase of life and looking forward to what comes ahead.”
The ex-SNP leader said she would be taking time out to “decompress” and find “a different rhythm to life”.
An emotional Nicola Sturgeon makes her final contribution in Holyrood.
The former FM is stepping away after 27 years.
"For the sake of the children who rely on us to look after them ... to those who will occupy these benches in a few weeks time, keep the promise." pic.twitter.com/YMpRdF8F3C— The Herald (@heraldscotland) March 19, 2026
While she may be stepping away from politics, Ms Sturgeon – who has already said she will campaign in another independence referendum if one is called – said she will still lend her voice to matters she cares about.
“I’m leaving frontline politics, I’m leaving elected politics, but I don’t think I’m the kind of person who’ll ever be completely silent on the issues I care most about,” she said.
Ms Sturgeon was cleared from the Operation Branchform probe in March 2025, on the same day Mr Murrell first appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement.
Mr Murrell made no pleas during a private hearing and was granted bail.
When she was cleared, Ms Sturgeon made an announcement outside her home near Glasgow.
She said: "I think it won't surprise anybody to hear me say that has not been an easy experience. So to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about."
The former first minister said: "I have done nothing wrong, and I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong."
Ms Sturgeon also admitted there was a feeling of “relief” and “vindication”.
