Food exports from Scotland were worth a record £1.1 billion last year, with a large growth in fish and seafood sales, according to figures.

HMRC statistics show that total food and drink exports were valued at £5.1 billion in 2014.

Drink sales were down from £4.2 billion but food exports grew by 3.5% on the previous year.

Sales of fish and seafood were most valuable to food exports, up £38 million to £613 million last year.

The top destination for Scottish food and drink exports remains the US, with sales worth £800 million, followed by France with exports of £734 million last year.

Growth in food sales to Spain and China has also occurred.

The record amount was announced today by Food and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead on a visit to Mara Seaweed in Edinburgh.

Mr Lochhead said: "These figures are extremely encouraging, particularly long-term, and reflective of the fantastic produce we have to offer here in Scotland.

"We are now seeing a rise in the popularity of Scottish produce in emerging markets - in China, for example, we've witnessed a massive increase of 82% in food exports, with overall value now up to £46 million, evidence that the Chinese appreciate great Scottish seafood and meat.

"Our fish and seafood exports have soared, with sales hitting £613 million - up 6.6% on 2013 - due to an increase in exports to Asia and Oceania, the EU and sub-Saharan Africa.

"It's especially important to highlight this achievement during the Year of Food and Drink.

"We have a wonderful natural larder that lends itself to some of the best produce in the world and we have some extremely hard-working farmers, producers and processors who deserve the recognition that comes with their products being in demand all across the globe."

Whisky remains the biggest drinks export while Scottish salmon is increasingly in demand across the world.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said: "Whisky has blazed a trail globally but it is one that is being increasingly followed by other food and drink products.

"Europe remains our biggest food export market but we are beginning to now realise our ambitions to expand across North America, the Middle East and Asia.

"Whether it is a top Japanese sushi chef wanting our salmon or a leading Dubai hotel wanting Scottish cheeses, we are seeing demand grow."