Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), part-owned a luxury villa in Portugal that has been sold, months after he was granted legal aid. The property, located in the exclusive gated community of Porches near Faro and Albufeira, boasts two bedrooms, a patio, and a roof terrace with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The white-washed villa, featuring a clay-tile roof and traditional Algarve chimneys, overlooks the picturesque Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach, known for its turquoise waves.
The 1,200 sq ft property was jointly owned by Murrell and his sister before being sold to an investment firm in October 2025. Similar villas in the same area have been listed for between £346,000 and £518,000, placing the property's value in that range. The villa is situated within a secure community of about 150 serviced properties, offering residents access to a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Legal Aid Controversy
Murrell's sale of the Portuguese villa came six months after he was granted legal aid, a financial assistance program typically reserved for those who cannot afford legal representation. Legal aid may require a contribution depending on the individual's circumstances. The Scottish Legal Aid Board declined to comment on the specifics of Murrell's grant but stated that if a material change in circumstances occurs, eligibility may be reassessed. The Board confirmed that Murrell continues to meet the criteria for legal aid.
Murrell, 61, was arrested in June 2024 as part of an investigation into SNP finances. He served as the party's chief executive for over two decades and was married to Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland. In court, Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310 from the SNP, using fake invoices and expenses, as well as party charge cards, to purchase items including a campervan costing over £120,000, two cars, and an egg poacher set priced at £23.98.
Repayment and Sentencing
During the High Court hearing in Edinburgh, Murrell's lawyer, John Scullion KC, stated that the embezzled funds would be repaid from Murrell's frozen assets. The stolen money originated from SNP membership fees and donations. Nicola Sturgeon has maintained that she had no knowledge or suspicion that personal items were being bought with party funds. Murrell is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
The Portuguese holiday home, which Murrell and his sister once owned, was a place where Murrell and Sturgeon vacationed in the past. The property offers views of the Senhora da Rocha chapel and is located in the popular Algarve region, near Faro and Albufeira. The sale of the villa has raised questions about Murrell's financial situation, given his claim for legal aid.
