The SNP has risked a backlash from the English after “raising a glass” to Argentina ahead of the country’s World Cup semi-final tie against England.
It claimed in a statement that it was marking the anniversary of a historic whisky trade deal that saw the South Americans give Scotch Whisky its seal of approval as the first ever international product to receive Geographical Indication status.
However, it was interpreted as a dig at the English, which would be either laughed off, or taken as another example of anti-English provocation among the nationalists.
One Scottish veteran of the Falklands War told Daily Business: “This might be seen as a bit of banter, but we know where banter can lead.”
Announcing the celebration of the whisky deal, SNP MSP George Adam said: “There is no better day to raise a glass to Argentina and I’m sure Scottish households will be united today and well into the night as we mark this historic occasion.
“One year on since Argentina gave its seal of approval to our premier product, it won’t be lost on anyone the number of Argentina flags draped in windows across the country as we celebrate that one-year anniversary.”
He then went on to reference historic links to Argentina but made no reference to links with England.
“The links between Argentina and Scotland dial way back to 1893 when Alexander Watson Hutton founded the Argentine football association, here in 2026 it’s clear the bonds between our two nations remain as tightly bound as ever,” he said.
“Scotch whisky is something that we can all be proud of and it is only right that people across Scotland rejoice with our Argentinian friends this evening.”
Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: “England are our next door neighbours… just wish our neighbours well, enjoy the football and stop turning everything into another nationalist grievance.”
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