Donald Trump's presidency could be "very damaging" for Scotland's whisky sector amid fears tariff increases risks job losses, John Swinney has warned.

Prior to the election, Mr Trump promised significant tariff increases of up to 20% on foreign goods entering the US.

Industry chiefs warned previously that the tax, first brought in by Mr Trump's previous administration, could have detrimental effects on the industry.

As part of a wider trade dispute with the EU, the previous Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on imports of single malt Scotch whisky – one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.

The tariffs lasted between October 2019 and March 2021, with the Scotch Whisky Association saying they lost £600 million in exports and describing them as “hugely damaging”. They are next due to be reviewed in June 2026.

Scotland's distilleries recorded a reported loss of roughly a million pounds per day when the tariffs were last in place.

The First Minister echoed these concerns, warning of "damage" to the Scottish economy.

As he met with industry leaders during a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney told journalists: "The Scotch whisky industry has had a very difficult experience with tariffs in the past.

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"There is a period of some respite just now but there is obviously the possibility of future difficulties with tariffs.

"I want to do everything we possibly can to avoid those tariffs, which will require engagement with the UK Government, who will have to, with our support, argue strongly against tariffs that could be an obstacle to the trade for Scotch whisky."

Discussing Mr Trump's victory, he added: "There are real dangers that there could be the application of tariffs and that would be very damaging to the Scotch whisky industry."

The First Minister also raised concerns that jobs could be hit in the whisky industry, as well as in the wider food and drinks sector and in manufacturing.

"It potentially could (hit jobs in Scotland) as a consequence of tariffs being applied, not just on Scotch whisky but on other products," he said.

"We have to be aware that tariffs can be very damaging to domestic products from Scotland because we are an exporting country, not just in relation to whisky, we have other strengths in food and drink and in manufacturing, where the existence of tariffs can be a significant factor for the health and prosperity of employment in Scotland."

His warnings also follow an RPI inflation increase to alcohol duty, which was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her first budget last week.

The Scotch whisky sector accused the UK Government of breaking its promise to back the industry.

Mr Swinney also congratulated Mr Trump on being elected as the 47th president of the United States.

The SNP leader last week backed Mr Trump's Democrat rival Kamala Harris for the presidency - with Trump International Scotland branding the move an "insult".

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Mr Trump's company owns golf courses in both South Ayrshire's Turnberry and Aberdeenshire's Balmedie.

The company argued Mr Swinney's comments were "appalling" due to the economic contributions from Mr Trump's businesses to Scotland.

After Mr Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency, Mr Swinney said: "I congratulate President Trump on his election as President of the United States."

He was asked by journalists whether it was a "diplomatic mistake" to endorse Ms Harris given his position as Scottish First Minister.

But he said: “I think politicians have got to say what they think. But it is appropriate in the context of the election result that we respect democracy, that I congratulate President Trump on his election and I indicate that Scotland will take forward the social, cultural and economic ties that exists between our two countries.”

He was later asked if he thought America would "come to regret" backing Mr Trump to re-enter the White House.

Mr Swinney said: "There's a lot of water to go under the bridge and we will have to wait and see what emerges.

"But I think the nature of some of the language and the expressions about other people, I think, I understand why people are concerned this morning."

Mr Trump's ties to Scotland extend beyond his business ventures.

His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis in a Gaelic-speaking household before moving to the United States and marrying Fred Trump.