THE SNP did not receive any registrable cash donations last year, according to the party’s latest annual accounts.
Figures published by the Electoral Commission show that this category of income fell from £510,000 in 2017 to zero.
However, Nicola Sturgeon’s party took in around £2.2m in membership fees, which was broadly similar to the figure last year.
The SNP is the largest political party in Scotland and has benefited from huge donations over the years.
Tycoon Brian Souter poured in millions when Alex Salmond was leader, while lottery winners Colin and Christine Weir have donated over £4m between them.
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However, the 2018 SNP accounts show that the party no longer benefits from significant donations and is flush on account of fees from a base of around 125,000 members.
The threshold for reporting a cash donation to the central party is £7,500, and the figure for the SNP was nil.
This stands in contrast to every year going back a decade, when the SNP received cash donations in this category.
However, the party received £323,936 worth of donations that were below the registrable threshold.
Total income in 2018 was £4.7m, down from £5.8m in 2017, although no election took place last year.
The party also received £700,292 in legacies and £276,750 from a levy paid by parliamentarians.
An SNP spokesperson said: “SNP finances have never been healthier. Even in years like 2018 without elections, we’re proud and grateful to be funded by tens of thousands of small donations from our mass membership and supporters across Scotland. It’s what keeps us campaigning for independence.”
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