SNP President and MEP Ian Hudghton has described comments by a Labour MEP regarding a meeting between Scotland's First Minister and EU Commissioner Joe Borg as 'thoroughly bizarre and mistaken'.

Both Mr Hudghton and Labour MEP Catherine Stihler gave evidence today (Tuesday) to the Scottish Parliament's European and External Relations Committee.

Speaking from Brussels Mr Hudghton said:

"My Labour colleague's comments are thoroughly bizarre and mistaken. I was at the meeting with the First Minister and Commissioner Borg and I recall a constructive and friendly discussion where a wide range of issues were aired, in relation to the interests of Scotland's fishing communities.

"The Commissioner was well aware of, and appreciated the difficulties facing Scotland's fisheries industry. Indeed after hearing the comments today I think Commissioner Borg actually has a far better understanding of issues concerning our fisheries industry than does Mrs Stihler!

"If anyone has behaved inappropriately it's Mrs Stihler by dragging the Commissioner into this rather pathetic attempt at publicity. Labour politicians seem to think it's bad behaviour to contradict the UK government and stand up for Scotland in Europe! Mrs Stihler should apologise for her comments and work to safeguard Scotland's predominant interest in fisheries."