'Window of opportunity': Donald Trump and John Swinney talk whisky and Gaza

Donald Trump and John Swinney have held talks on whisky tariffs and the Gaza crisis, the Scottish Government has said.

The first minister met with the US president after he flew into Scotland on a private visit covering his golf resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.

The meeting took place at Menie Estate, Balmedie, ahead of the official opening of the second course at Trump International.

Opening that facility, Trump described Swinney as "a terrific guy" and, recalling his mother's Scottish roots, said: "We love Scotland."

The Scottish Government said Swinney had "urged the president to consider economic protections for Scotland's whisky and salmon sector, including an exemption for whisky from the 10 per cent tariff applied on UK exports into the US".

Swinney – who faced criticism ahead of the meeting – is also said to have been "unequivocal in demanding action" to tackle the situation in Gaza, where infrastructure has been levelled and lives are being lost to starvation. The Scottish Government said he "urged the president to use his immense influence to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis" and to have stressed Scottish support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

Swinney also proposed that Edinburgh Airport be provided with US Customs pre-clearance facilities to "demonstrate the strength of America's enduring relationship with its friend and partner, Scotland".

The first minister stated: "During our discussions, I was able to represent the interests and values of Scotland directly with the president, specifically, urging him to make the case for tariff exemptions for our world class whisky and salmon sector. I believe there is now a window of opportunity to make the case for whisky and at the invitation of the president, I intend to make further representation to him on this matter."

Swinney alongside the first tee | Alamy

He went on: "I implored President Trump to use his immense influence on the Israeli government to end the unbearable, unjust, and inhumane situation unfolding in Gaza, and to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing.

"As a proud country that stands firm on the principles of equality and freedom for all, I urged President Trump to help make those ideals – American ideals – a reality for the people of Ukraine. Scotland has consistently stood with the people of Ukraine in defence of freedom, peace and a just society, and we want to see a world where those principles apply to all."

In advance of the meeting, Swinney gifted Trump two framed historical documents from the National Records of Scotland, including a map of Lewis and material depicting his family connection to Scotland. Trump gave Swinney a figurine of an American bald eagle.

Trump, who has faced criticism for the amount of time he has spent on golf courses since beginning his second presidency, said he would play a round on his new greens "very quickly" then return to Washington to "put out fires all over the world".

The Republican leader, who will make a state visit to the UK in Septemner, said: "We've stopped about five wars. That's much more important than playing golf."

Lib Dem MP Susan Murray said: "If Trump really loves Scotland, why is he hammering Scotch whisky with tariffs?

"Actions speak louder than words, so if the president truly cares about his Scottish ties, he must drop his damaging tariffs on our whisky exports. This would allow our treasured Scotch whisky industry and all those employed in it to breathe a sigh of relief, and it would act as a sign of good will from the president ahead of his state visit.

"With millions regularly enjoying Scotch on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s a bridge between the US and the UK – even in the midst of Trump’s trade war. These unfair and damaging tariffs must go."