Mr Swinney said that Trump did not commit visiting Scotland in the near future, but did show “enthusiasm” for doing so.
The phone call was the first time the two men have spoken since Mr Swinney endorsed Trump’s democratic rival Kamala Harris in the run up to the US election.
The caused a small diplomatic spat after Trump came out on top, but Mr Swinney gave no indication the conversation tonight was uncomfortable.
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In TV interview, he said: “I had a phonecall earlier this evening with President-elect Trump, in which I congratulated him on his election as President of the United States.
“We discussed the ties which exist between Scotland and the United States and I set out the importance we attach on the economic connections, particularly the Scottish Whisky industry, which exist between Scotland and the United States.
“We did of course talk about golf, which as the home of golf, is very important to President-elect Trump and he expressed his admiration for Scotland and the character and identity of the country.”
Speaking to reporters at the Scottish Parliament just before the election, Mr Swinney had said: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris.
“And I’ve not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”
NEW: First Minister @JohnSwinney has just spoken with President-elect Donald Trump
They talked about economic ties between the countries but nothing specifically about tariffs pic.twitter.com/B0sjgNY2sV
— Alan Smith (@Political_AlanS) December 10, 2024
Last month, Mr Trump’s son Eric said it was “nasty” for Scotland’s First Minister to endorse Ms Harris, and that it could prove a stumbling block to future trade.
Eric Trump said that his father “is not going to lose any sleep over” Mr Swinney’s remarks – and said “I’m not sure it bothers him one bit”.
He also confirmed President-elect Trump will visit Scotland in the next year for the opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire.
The First Minister added: “We didn’t specifically discuss the issue of tariffs, but I raised the importance of the whisky industry for Scotland and the export markets in the United States. It’s vital that I convey the importance of the industry to Scotland, and I have done that tonight.
“I know that President-elect Trump understands of the trade that’s represented by Scotland’s connection through the Whisky industry with the United States, along with other sectors, such as tourism and the huge connection we have around golf.”
