Newly elected US President Donald Trump will visit Scotland next year for the first time since 2018 to open his new golf course in Aberdeenshire, his son has confirmed.
Construction of the 18-hole MacLeod Course at the Trump International resort in Menie started last year and is expected to finally open next summer.
The last time Trump visited the country while serving as US president, thousands protested and even hosted a paraglider stunt in which an activist flew an anti-Trump banner over the course.
The Menie resort has proven controversial in the past, with the dunes flanking the course losing their status as a ‘nationally important protected environment’ under its management.
Trump International has claimed that the new course will feature the ‘largest sand dunes in Scotland’ and will form ‘the largest 36 holes in golf’ alongside the resort’s original course.
They have also pushed back against accusations of greenwashing, claiming the course is ‘one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable’ courses ever built.
Eric Trump, who visited his family’s two golf courses in Scotland, confirmed that his father will visit Aberdeenshire for the opening of a new golf course in 2025.
He also said his father “won’t lose any sleep over” John Swinney’s endorsement of his rival Kamala Harris ahead of the US election, adding: “I’m not sure it bothers him one bit.”
US President-elect Donald Trump (C) poses with Scottish pipers during a visit to the construction site of his golf course on the Menie Estate near Aberdeen
Eric Trump, who visited his family’s two golf courses in Scotland, confirmed his father will visit Aberdeenshire next year
The Menie resort has proven controversial in the past, with the dunes flanking the course losing their status as a ‘nationally important protected environment’.
Eric Trump criticized Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney for meddling in the US elections
Trump said the Scottish government has made it “virtually impossible” to do business in the country.
He suggested that it was only his family’s “love” for the country that pushed them to continue investing.
Speaking at the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Mr Trump criticized Mr Swinney for his interference in the US election.
Asked about his support for Trump’s Democratic rival, he said: “It’s certainly something I was aware of, but it certainly wasn’t really something I cared about too much to tell you the truth.”
“I mean, obviously [Swinney] read the temperature very wrong. He’s wrong. He was completely wrong, because my father won decisively.
“And so, you know, if he endorsed someone three days before an election in another country, and as much as he missed the mark, he was misreading the tea leaves.”
He added: “Again, my dad loves Scotland, and you have a Prime Minister who comes out and is quite mean in the days before.
“I mean, who benefited from that? Did Scotland benefit from this?
“You know, you just asked about rates? Is that useful? If he ever has to call my father to ask about rates or negotiate a base, will Scotland benefit?’
Just before the election, Mr Swinney told reporters in the Scottish Parliament: ‘People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris.
“And I didn’t just come to that conclusion because Donald Trump is against Scottish independence.”
After Trump’s victory, Swinney sent him a letter saying he wanted both countries to have a good relationship and that he wished the president-elect well.