Scotch whisky and salmon must continued to be protected under EU rules even in the event of a no deal Brexit, Scotland's rural economy secretary has said.

Fergus Ewing called for "iconic" Scottish products to continue to be covered by EU geographical indications (GIs).

The UK government plans use its own GIs "when EU rules cease to apply".

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However, the Scottish Government said it was worried about guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which it claims contradicts UK government assurances about the protections.

Writing to his newly-appointed UK counterpart, Theresa Villiers, Mr Ewing said her department's "deeply concerning" position was "causing real uncertainty".

He wrote: "I wish again to put on record that the Scottish government find the approach being adopted by the UK government deeply concerning.

"It is not enough to simply hope and believe that the EU will not take steps to remove existing UK GIs from their registers, especially if we are not to protect their GI products from day one in the UK scheme.

"This stance is causing real uncertainty for producers and I implore you to do more to attempt to secure this mutual recognition in negotiations taking place."

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In response, a Defra spokeswoman said geographical indicators "played a crucial role in protecting the provenance and heritage of some of our best-loved food and drink products".

She added: "That is why the UK is ready to launch its own GI schemes at the point at which EU rules cease to apply in the UK.

"Our amazing food sector will be ready and waiting to continue selling ever more, not just here but around the world once we leave the EU on October 31."