Whisky on the menu as Scottish Secretary Alexander meets US ambassador

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will raise the subject of US tariffs on whisky when he meets the US ambassador on Friday.

Levies on the industry on exports to the US are believed to be costing about £4 million a week, with both the UK and Scottish Governments pushing hard for an exemption from the Trump administration.

Warren Stephens will meet with Mr Alexander in Edinburgh, before attending the rugby at Murrayfield on Saturday with First Minister John Swinney as Scotland takes on the US.

Mr Swinney has pushed hard for a deal on whisky, meeting President Trump on three occasions in the UK and jetting out to Washington DC to speak to him in the White House.

But, speaking ahead of the meeting with the ambassador, the Scottish Secretary stressed the need for the UK to “speak with one clear voice”.

“The UK Government has forged a strong and productive relationship with the government of the United States which has brought, and will continue to bring, real benefits on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.

“Scotland’s interests are best served when the UK speaks with one clear voice on the international stage. Division at home simply weakens us abroad.

“The UK Government is committed to using our experience, expertise and negotiating power to deliver for Scotland.

“The UK Government has been in active and continuous negotiations with US counterparts building on the economic prosperity deal in the interests of Scottish businesses. Central to this has been ensuring a strong focus on supporting and growing the Scotch Whisky industry.

“Our focus continues to be getting the best deal for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

“Whether it’s supporting our world-leading whisky industry or opening up new markets for Scottish exports, we are determined to deliver results through the strength of the UK’s international standing.”