SCOTLAND'S whisky and salmon exports are still on the up, according to trade figures for the first three quarters of 2017 – and with the EU as the single largest importer, continued access to the European Single Market after Brexit looks more important than ever.

Rural economy minister Fergus Ewing welcomed the figures, which show £483 million worth of fresh Atlantic salmon being sold in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of 56% from 2016, and a similar success story in whisky exports, which were worth over £3 billion in the same period, an 11% increase on 2016's figures.

“Scottish whisky and Scottish salmon are iconic products, representing everything that is great about Scottish produce. These figures reflect the strength and resilience of our food and drink industry, the potential it has to grow and highlights the importance of Scotland’s continued access to the European Single Market," said Mr Ewing.

“Continued access to the EU single market is vitally important to the future of our food and drink sector and the Scottish economy," he stressed.

“We will continue to work with industry to develop new and existing markets and in line with Scotland’s Food and Drink 2030 ambition, we will continue to focus on key markets, boost innovation, focus on skills and support local producers to release our ambitious plans to double the value of our industry to £30 billion."

One of Mr Ewing's 'farming champion' appointees, former Aldi buying director Marion MacCormack, shed some positive light on how unique Scottish produce is already making a mark worldwide.

“Looking ahead to Brexit there is data showing Scottish products are already ahead in terms of reputation," she said.

“Interest in Scottish products abroad is rocketing – if you look at our beer and gin industry, they are flourishing here and across the water. People are interested in our heritage and hopefully, if not too much red tape is put in place, we will be able to market ourselves and continue to have a strong export industry," said Ms MacCormack.