Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable says the length of an investigation into SNP finances is “crucial,” in remarks defending parts of Operation Branchform. Both outlets report that the senior officer faced questions about the investigation’s conduct and timeline. The officer argues that the duration of the probe was necessary for the work to be carried out properly and for relevant inquiries to be completed. The coverage also indicates the officer is responding to criticism and scrutiny around aspects of how the operation was run, including the time taken to examine matters connected to SNP financial arrangements. While the articles do not provide detailed new findings or specific outcomes, they focus on the officer’s justification for the investigation’s length and on the broader defense of the operation. The reporting reflects an ongoing public and political interest in how police resources are deployed and how investigations are conducted, particularly when they involve sensitive issues relating to political parties.