First Minister John Swinney is set to press ahead with a deal to reduce the tariff on Scotch whisky in talks with the US ambassador, Warren Stephens. Stephens will visit Bute House in Edinburgh on Saturday morning ahead of Scotland’s rugby match against the United States at Murrayfield.

Swinney has been pursuing an agreement to cut the 10% levy on Scotch whisky and has previously held discussions with President Donald Trump, including a White House visit. Saturday’s meeting follows talks between Stephens and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the discussions, Swinney said he would stress the importance of forming a constructive relationship with the United States to advance Scotland’s economic interests, noting that the US is Scotland’s main inward investor and its largest export market. He said a mutually beneficial deal on the tariff would serve both countries and highlighted the close partnership between the Scotch and US whisky industries.

Ahead of Swinney’s encounter, Alexander argued that the issue falls under UK Government competence and that negotiations would be conducted by London. He criticised Swinney for seeking a photo opportunity rather than addressing domestic priorities, and referenced the underspend of £1 billion facing public services, suggesting the focus should be on those matters.