Natalie McGarry or Meikle was found guilty of taking almost £25,000 while involved with two pro-independence organisations between April 2013 and November 2015.

The former politician was found to have embezzled £19,974 from Women for Independence (WFI), a group she helped create, in her role as treasurer. The embezzlement was discovered when WFI noticed discrepancies in its accounts.

The court heard that Ms McGarry had transferred money from charity fundraising events into her own bank accounts. She also used cheques drawn on the WFI bank account to deposit money into her accounts. Some of the transfers occurred when her rent was due.

Ms McGarry was also found guilty of embezzling £4,661 while treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the Scottish National Party between April 2014 and August 2015.

Some of the money was taken while she was a sitting Member of Parliament for Glasgow East.

Laura Buchan, procurator fiscal for specialist casework, said: “Natalie McGarry took advantage of her position of trust and responsibility to embezzle cash for her own gain. Her deliberate and calculated deception led to a significant sum being diverted from charity into her own bank account.

“We take such criminality very seriously and will not stop at prosecution. Proceeds of Crime proceedings have now been commenced to ensure the profits obtained through criminal conduct are confiscated.”