On an annual basis, engineering and allied industries grew by 0.4%, led by strong growth in the mechanical engineering sector.

BBC: Food and drink leads rise in Scottish exports

But chemicals, coke, refined petroleum and nuclear fuel exports dropped 6.7% between January and March, with textiles, fur and leather down 5.7% and engineering and allied industries dropping by 2.8%.

BBC: Whiskey

However, the textiles, fur and leather sector fell by 8.3%, and there was contraction in engineering and allied industries (-0.8%), chemicals, coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear fuel (-3.2%) and metals and metal products (-0.4%).

BBC: Food and drink leads rise in Scottish exports

The case has been brought by unions representing former employees at Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) and United Engineering Forgings (UEF).

BBC: NEWS | Business | EU rules on bust pension schemes