A former UK trade and energy minister has been appointed by the Scottish Secretary as a business ambassador.
Brian Wilson, who served as a Labour MP for 18 years, has been tasked with promoting Scottish business at home and abroad.
His appointment was announced by Michael Moore as he toured the new Diageo bottling plant in Leven, Fife, which has recently seen an £86 million investment by the company.
Mr Wilson's role will see him use his expertise to promote the Scottish economy and business environment, and encourage more firms to engage in international business, with the view to growing Scottish exports.
Last year, Mr Wilson was named UK global director of the year by the Institute of Directors for his work as chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides.
The former Cunninghame North MP said: "Trade is politically neutral and translates directly into jobs and prosperity at home. I am very willing to make whatever contribution I can to supporting Scottish and other UK companies overseas, and by encouraging more of our businesses to become exporters."
Mr Moore said: "I am delighted to see Brian Wilson being appointed as a UK business ambassador. He has an enormous amount of knowledge of the Scottish economy and will be a huge asset.
"I look forward to working together to help boost Scotland's export performance, which is a vital part of driving forward the Scottish economy.
"Our visit to Diageo underlines how important the whisky industry is to the Scottish economy but, equally, why we need to focus our efforts on encouraging more exports by Scottish firms. Brian's expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve that goal."
Mr Wilson will also continue to contribute to the Scottish Business Board - an advisory group set up by Mr Moore - by leading a review of support for exporting.
