SCOTTISH fish could be flown to mainland Europe as part of a radical solution to avoid the migrant chaos at the port of Calais which is costing seafood businesses millions of pounds a week.

Work is ongoing to strike a deal that would see fish loaded on to freight aircraft at the Scottish Government owned Prestwick Airport and then carried by air to the continent, where it would then be then be transported to customers by road.

The current situation, which has seen lengthy delays at the Channel Tunnel and ferry terminals as thousands of migrants attempt to gain access to the UK through the French port, has hit exporters of perishable goods hard with produce ruined before it can be delivered.

Last night the UK Government announced it will be giving priority to ensure livestock and other 'live' loads, including live shellfish, get through the police's Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent, enroute to Dover. This also applies to fresh produce, including fish and meat, to ensure it reaches market on time.

Disused Manston Airport in East Kent has also been secured as a parking lot for hauliers to ease congestion on the M20.

The Prestwick potential solution is being pushed forward by MSP Chic Brodie, who is in discussions with the airport, seafood businesses and agencies including Scottish Enterprise. A spokesman for Prestwick Airport said it was willing and able to assist the industry.

Mr Brodie said that around 18 tonnes of produce could be flown on Boeing 737s departing Ayrshire to major distribution centres such as Amsterdam or Liege where onward transfers would be relatively easy to arrange.

He said: "Clearly, time is of the essence. We have got to be able to hold on to these markets and clients. It's critical that we move as quickly as we can. We're also looking at ways of flying produce and goods in from the continent, to sustain Scottish production capability and reduce costs.

"This could be a real boost to all concerned. Prestwick is renowned as a freight and cargo airport and can handle it. I don't see the migrant crisis going away soon, this is a rational way around it."

The SNP backbencher is pushing ahead with his plan as the Scottish Government also examines potential alternative routes. Fisheries and Food Secretary Richard Lochhead convened a meeting on Monday with industry chiefs, but following the summit he criticised the UK Government and said his priority remained pushing for lorries carrying perishable goods to be given priority access to the Channel Tunnel and ferry terminals.

Seafood orders from Europe are down by as much as 80 per cent as a result of the situation in Calais, with one major retailer in Eyemouth saying the disruption had cost the business £100,000.

Nicola Sturgeon has argued that the situation is having a disproportionally heavy impact on Scottish businesses, with seafood exports almost five times as important to Scotland as to the UK as a whole. Last year, £461 million worth of seafood was exported from Scotland to EU countries.

A spokesman for Prestwick Airport, which was bought by the Scottish Government after years of heavy losses left its future in doubt, said: "We've had discussions with Mr Brodie about assisting the Scottish seafood industry at this difficult time for them and we’re very keen to play a part in getting their produce to international markets quickly. As Scotland’s premier freight airport, we have the capability to move fast.

"The airport is equipped with the full range of freight handling equipment and can handle all aircraft types. We currently service daily Boeing 747 freight movements for Cargolux and Air France along with ad hoc charters ranging from livestock, oil well equipment and aircraft engines to a wide array of aerospace parts."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it was working hard to investigate what "practical support" it may be able to offer firms, such as helping to identify alternative routes or modes of transport.

“It is vital that any prospective solutions – for example, the use of Prestwick Airport – meet industry needs."

Meanwhile, Home Office figures showed that the number of fines issued to hauliers found carrying illegal immigrants into Britain had more than trebled over three years with thousands of stowaways uncovered.