SCOTLAND risks being thrown into a “deep recession” if the UK crashes out of the European Union without a deal, it has been warned.

SNP Brexit Secretary Mike Russell said leaving without an agreement would have a “severe impact” on the labour market, resulting in job losses and closures.

READ MORE: Donald Tusk: There's a special place in hell for people who promoted Brexit

It came as European Council president Donald Tusk said there was a “special place in hell” for those who promoted Brexit “without even a sketch of a plan [of] how to carry it out safely”.

Addressing MSPs in Holyrood, Mr Russell said: “A no-deal Brexit has the potential to generate a a significant economic shock which could tip the Scottish economy into recession – and potentially into a deep recession.

“It would also have a severe impact on the labour market, resulting in potential job losses, business relocations and closures, underemployment and a reduction in recruitment.”

He said smaller firms would likely be the worst hit, while Scottish ministers are also concerned about the prospect of “severe delays” to freight traffic through Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

Meanwhile, fears are growing over “significant price increases” in the event of a no-deal Brexit, particularly in relation to food and drink.

Mr Russell added: “The Governor of the Bank of England has identified potential rises of between five and 10 per cent.”

READ MORE: Hundreds of Police Scotland officers to go on standby amid Brexit fears

Mr Tusk provoked controversy after he condemned Brexit-supporting politicians during a press conference in Brussels.

He said: “I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan [of] how to carry it out safely.”

Last week, Scotland’s top police officer said ruling out a hard Brexit or delaying the UK’s exit would reduce the “imminent pressure” on officers and allow for more detailed planning.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said the force was currently readying itself for a no-deal scenario and would have to forge a number of “sub-optimal workarounds” to replace cross-border legal measures built up by the EU.