Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond met the Israeli ambassador, Daniel Taub, last week in Edinburgh on the ambassador’s first diplomatic trip to Scotland.

Mr Taub said: “I gave the First Minister an update on the situation in the Middle East, and shared with him my concerns about the elements of extreme hostility to Israel in parts of Scottish society. We also explored the possibility of co-operation between Israel and Scotland, particularly in the fields of business, technology, health and renewable energy.”

A few hours after the meeting, Mr Taub’s lecture to Jewish students at Edinburgh University was disrupted by chanting supporters of Palestine. In response, a government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government values tolerance and respect. We value the contribution made to our communities by those of all faiths and none.”

A follow-up meeting has been arranged between the Israeli embassy, and Fergus Ewing MSP, Scottish minister for energy, enterprise and tourism.