A FORMER SNP MP accused of embezzling more than £25,000 from two pro-Independence groups was unable to quantify some expenses, a court has heard.

Natalie McGarry, originally from Inverkeithing, admitted it now seemed “naive” that she did not keep receipts for one of the events she was involved in.

The 40-year-old, who represented Glasgow East, allegedly embezzled £21,000 while treasurer for Women for Independence (WFI) between April 26, 2013, and November 30, 2015.

A second charge alleges she took £4,661 between April 9, 2014, and August 10, 2015, when she was treasurer, secretary and convenor of the Glasgow Regional Association (GRA) of the SNP.

Ms McGarry, who is on trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, denies both charges.

Defence agent Allan Macleod asked her about events she attended in 2014 and notes of the costs incurred.

Jurors heard that Ms McGarry attended and spoke at events around Scotland in her WFI role, including broadcast interviews and appearances.

In February 2014, she was involved in organising the filming of a Women for Independence video to tie in with International Women’s Day in March, which featured 20 women including actress and comedian Elaine C Smith.

Filming took place at the Pearce Institute in Glasgow and expenses for the day included room hire and catering, which consisted of drinks and snacks bought from local shops.

Mr Macleod said: “There were a lot of expenses there that you have been unable to quantify with any degree of certainty?”

Ms McGarry replied: “Yes, it seems naive now to say, but it didn’t seem like something we would be keeping receipts for, it was local shops and making sure women who had travelled from all over the country were taken care of.”

The court also heard that she attended a Yes in the Park event at Strathclyde Park in June 2014, for which she and other activists had to buy a gazebo and procure a helium tank and balloons, while face-painting was to be on offer.

Ms McGarry said: “In a previous life, I was an entertainer at McDonald’s so I had some residual face-painting skills so I had said I can do face-painting.

“I don’t remember how I did get that helium tank to Strathclyde Park but we did manage.”

The court heard that only records of items that cost over £200 had to be kept for the Electoral Commission.

Mr Macleod said: “You don’t have any expenses down for Yes in the Park and you told us you can’t remember how you got there.

“In addition to travel expenses, can you say there would have been others?”

Ms McGarry replied: “Yes there would have been others but none were over £200.”

The trial, before Sheriff Tom Hughes, continues.