Scottish First Minister John Swinney apologises to SNP members after Peter Murrell is implicated in a criminal matter, describing his reaction as one of “personal horror.” Multiple reports say Swinney addresses party members directly and acknowledges the distress caused by the situation. He characterises his feelings as “gutted,” and states that while he is appalled by Murrell’s actions, he did not anticipate any wrongdoing. According to the accounts, Swinney says he “never suspected” Murrell’s crime and speaks to his level of surprise and shock. The coverage focuses on Swinney’s attempt to respond to concerns within the party and to explain what he knew at the time. The reports do not provide additional investigative detail in the excerpts provided, but they agree on the key elements: Swinney’s apology to SNP members, his personal assessment of the impact, and his assertion that he had no prior knowledge or suspicions regarding Murrell.