Scottish ministers have renewed calls for the status of unique food and drink products to be protected after Brexit.
Under European law, goods such as Scotch whisky, Stornoway black pudding and Arbroath smokies are protected by “geographical indications” (GI) that recognise their regional importance and distinctive characteristics. The UK government has indicated that it wants to establish its own GI scheme.
However, in an article published in 20 newspapers across Europe yesterday, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said GI had yet to be resolved.
Fergus Ewing, the Scottish rural affairs secretary, said: “The European Commission’s chief negotiator recognises the significant contribution that these producers make to the wider economy. It is extremely alarming . . . that the failure of the UK government to
