Former US President Donald Trump has attended a ceremony to break ground for a new golf course at his Scottish resort, the Trump International Scotland Course, located at the Menie Estate near Aberdeen. The new course, named MacLeod, is dedicated to Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles before emigrating to the US. Trump, accompanied by his son Eric, who oversees the management and operations of the Trump Organisation’s global portfolio, including the golf courses, spoke briefly to reporters at Aberdeen Airport, saying it’s “great to be home” and that the new course will be “a great success”.
Trump praised the land, saying it is unlike any other, with incredible views by the sea and dunes that are unlike any others in the world. He added that the course will be fit to host many great championships in the future, along with the existing championship links. Trump also mentioned that his mother loved Scotland and that he got to know the Queen during his visits. He expressed his pride in dedicating the course to his late mother and said that it is a source of great pride to him and his family.
The course will be built to the south and west of the existing championship course, designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, who also designed the initial championship links at the Menie Estate. Trump and his son Eric arrived at Aberdeen Airport in a red carpet ceremony with two pipers, accompanied by a 10-vehicle motorcade. Trump told reporters that his campaign is “on my mind,” and that a victory for him would make America “greater than ever before.”
The trip comes as Trump faces legal trouble in his native New York over his business practices. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records to hide damaging information ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The tycoon’s visit to Scotland comes as he runs for the White House again in 2024 and is seen as the presumptive Republican nominee.
Donald Trump (Via Donald Trump/Twitter)
The controversy surrounding Trump’s visit has sparked reactions from Scottish politicians, with Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf saying he would find it difficult to meet with Trump without raising concerns about his previous remarks. Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam McArthur criticized Trump’s previous visits, saying they have cost millions in policing costs and called on the Scottish Government to revisit their decision not to investigate the Trump Organisation’s golf courses in Scotland.
Trump’s son Eric also criticized Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie for bringing up the issue of an unexplained wealth order (UWO) to debate at the Scottish Parliament, calling him a “national embarrassment”. Harvie responded, saying there were “longstanding” reasons for concerns over Trump’s financial conduct.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s visit highlights the delicate balance between business and politics, as Trump’s golf courses and hotels continue to be a source of controversy and debate. The visit also underscores the tensions between Trump’s international reputation and his efforts to secure a second term as President of the United States.
