Scotland’s First Minister has discussed cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky in a meeting with the US ambassador to the UK.

John Swinney met with Warren Stephens for an hour at Bute House – his official Edinburgh residence – on Saturday morning, ahead of both attending a whisky industry event followed by the Scottish rugby team’s clash with the US at Murrayfield.

Swinney has pushed hard for a deal which would cut the 10% levies on the Scottish drink when entering the US, meeting with President Donald Trump four times this year.

UK negotiators will fly to Washington next week in the hope of securing better terms in the trade deal between the two countries.

Speaking after the meeting with the ambassador, the First Minister said: “It was a pleasure to meet with ambassador Stephens at my offic

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