The first minister has vowed to use Donald Trump's affinity for Scotland in a bid to avoid the prospect of tariffs being applied on imports to the US. John Swinney said he had expressed the importance of trade between the countries, especially Scotch whisky, during a call he held with the US president-elect last month. He said the issue of taxes was not directly discussed but said Trump spoke warmly about his Scottish roots and business links. Trump, who will be inaugurated on 20 January, has repeatedly vowed to introduce tariffs on all imports to the US.