Arrest of SNP treasurer overshadows Humza Yousaf’s policy relaunch

Colin Beattie arrest announced as new first minister prepared to set out fresh vision' to MSPs

Attempts by Scotland's new first minister, Humza Yousaf, to stamp his authority on his already beleaguered administration were scuppered by the arrest of the Scottish National party's treasurer hours before a major policy statement.

Police Scotland said Colin Beattie, 71, the SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh and a former banker, had been taken into custody on Tuesday morning and was being interviewed by detectives as part of an investigation into the party's funding and finances. He was released without charge later that day, pending further investigation.