First Minister to meet President Trump to discuss whisky tariffs

First Minister John Swinney is to meet President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to discuss whisky tariffs.

Mr Swinney is in the United States to undertake a series of trade and political meetings involving both main US political parties.

The meeting at the White House is set to last around 30 minutes and take place at 14.00 EDT which will be 19.00 GMT.

Prior to the meeting at the White House, the First Minister met representatives and member companies of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (Discus) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) at Mount Vernon, the home of US founding father George Washington and the site of a whisky distillery he opened in 1798 which was operated by his Scottish farm hand, James Anderson.

Mr Swinney said: “When President Trump came to Scotland in July, we raised Scotch whisky with him and got it on the trade deal agenda.

“Now, with just over a week to go before the president makes a state visit to the UK, we have a critical chance to follow up and make the case for a better deal.

“Scotch whisky holds a unique position, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland.

“Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon have made common cause.

“This isn’t a case of US business versus imports to the US.

“Both agree that they want no tariffs.

“That’s a real strength.

“Today’s discussions with the president are another chance to make that case and to fight for the very best deal possible for Scotland.”

The First Minister flew to Washington DC on Tuesday saying he would be “pressing the case” for a better tariff deal for Scotch whisky in key talks in the United States.