AN East Renfrewshire woman who was jailed for embezzling almost £25,000 from pro-independence groups during her time as an MP is to appeal against her conviction and sentencing.

Natalie McGarry, who represented Glasgow East for the SNP between 2015 and 2017, is serving a two-year sentence after being found guilty in May of embezzling £19,974 while treasurer of Women For Independence (WFI).

She was also convicted of stealing £4,661 while treasurer and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.

It has now been confirmed that an appeal court will hear arguments that 41-year-old McGarry's conviction should be quashed.

The hearing, which is scheduled to take place next month, will address both the conviction and sentence.

A jury found McGarry, of Clarkston, guilty by majority following a six-week trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Evidence was heard from dozens of witnesses, including former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman, who said she reported McGarry after noticing a significant shortfall in WFI accounts.

She also voiced her frustration at McGarry's delay in handing over receipts and invoices which would show what the funds had been spent on.

The court also saw McGarry's bank records, which showed Crowdfunder donations from WFI being transferred to her own personal account.

It included £10,472 on April 29, 2014, and a further £9,848 on November 12, 2014, which she used to pay for shopping and rent.

McGarry had said these were "legitimate" expenses which she had incurred and was reimbursing herself for.

Her legal team admitted her finances were "disorganised" and "chaotic" but she denied the charges.

McGarry was sentenced in June.

Sheriff Tom Hughes told her she had betrayed people who put their trust in her.