John Swinney has said he has “personally thanked” Donald Trump after the US President said he plans to lift whisky tariffs following a royal visit by the King and Queen.
On Thursday, Trump posted on social media that while “people have wanted to do this for a long time”, Charles and Camilla “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do”.
Both the Scottish and UK governments had been lobbying the President to end the 10% levy, as the US is the single biggest market for Scotland’s whisky.
Most Scottish whisky producers also source their casks from the US.
The First Minister previously travelled to the White House to urge the president to drop the tariffs, following discussions during his visit to Scotland last year.
Now, Swinney has revealed he has “personally thanked” Trump in a phone call on Friday.
“I was pleased to receive a call from the President of the United States this afternoon, which gave me the opportunity to thank him personally for ending the tariffs on Scotch Whisky,” Swinney said.
After the agreement was made, it is understood that Swinney received a message from Trump congratulating him, adding that he was influential in getting the deal over the line.
Swinney continued: “The President was clear that our discussions on the mutual benefit of this deal, and Scotland’s ability to work with the state of Kentucky, formed a very big part of his thinking. He said that he was pleased to be able to do this for Scotland, together with His Majesty the King.
“We also briefly discussed international affairs, including the conflict in Iran.
“My primary duty as First Minister is to promote Scotland’s interests and ensure that people’s jobs and livelihoods are protected. I am delighted that the hard work of all involved has now paid off.”
‘Brass neck’
However, political opponents claimed Swinney had been trying to take credit for the deal.
Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, accused the SNP leader of being dishonest over who got the deal over the line.
He said: “Dishonest John Swinney is shamelessly, pathetically and disrespectfully trying to claim credit after the King secured a deal with the US president to remove Scotch whisky tariffs.
“The people of Scotland will see right through this typically tawdry SNP misinformation as they raise a glass to His Majesty.”
Jackie Bailie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, said: “John Swinney and the SNP’s record is so dismal that they are now trying to claim credit for work they are not responsible for.
“The lifting of tariffs on Scotch Whisky is a great success – but it is clear that this was delivered after months of engagement and diligent work involving UK Government negotiators, those in the whisky sector, and our allies in the United States.”
Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader, added that Charles was owed “a real vote of thanks for his hard work and diplomacy in securing this important win.
She added: “He has achieved what neither Keir Starmer and John Swinney have been able to do.”
The Scottish Greens and Reform UK have been contacted for comment.
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