Swinney has 'positive' phone talks with Trump

First Minister John Swinney has spoken to US President-elect Donald Trump for the first time since he secured his return to the White House.

The phone call was initiated by Trump's team and lasted around 20 minutes.

A Scottish government source said the discussion was "positive".

During the call, Swinney stressed the importance of trading and cultural ties with the US, while Trump - whose mother was from the Isle of Lewis - expressed his love of Scotland.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "First Minister John Swinney held an introductory call with President-elect Donald Trump this evening.

"They discussed the social, cultural, and economic ties between Scotland and the United States, including the importance of the US market for Scottish exports.

"The first minister said he looked forward to the two nations continuing to work together."

Last month, Swinney congratulated Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.

He said said that if Trump visited Scotland, it would be his duty as first minister to meet him on behalf of Scots.

The SNP leader had backed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential election - a move branded an "insult" by Trump's Scottish business.

Trump's company owns two golf courses in Scotland, at Turnberry in South Ayrshire and on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.