Trump International Scotland blasts First Minister over “insult”

The executive vice-president of Trump International Scotland has hit out at John Swinney over remarks made by the First Minister about the upcoming US presidential election.

Donald Trump, who owns the Aberdeenshire-based Trump International Scotland as well as Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, is standing against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris as he eyes up a return to the White House.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Swinney said: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris, and I have not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”

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In response, Sarah Malone, who runs Trump’s Aberdeenshire property, branded the comments an “insult” and “appalling”.

“The Trump family has shown unwavering commitment to Scotland – pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the Scottish economy – and driving many tens of thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year,” said Malone.

“Around 600 people – the majority of whom are Scottish – are employed directly by Trump businesses and many more local and national businesses thrive on supplying services to our resorts.

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“It is appalling to see the first minister, who talks of the need to encourage economic growth, insult this commitment and all the people involved in delivering world-class services here in Scotland.”

The comments come just weeks after it was revealed that a second championship links – the MacLeod Course – will open for play at Trump’s Aberdeenshire property next summer.

Named in honour of the presidential hopeful’s Scottish mother, it will sit alongside the existing course, which opened in 2012, to create what the Trump Organisation claims will be “the greatest 36 holes in golf”.

The United States of America will choose its 47th president on November 5.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor