U.S. President Donald Trump is set to embark on a notable trip to Scotland, starting July 21, 2023. This visit, which will include stops at his two Scottish golf resorts, is expected to elicit a mixed reception, reflecting the complex relationship he has with his mother’s homeland.
Trump’s ties to Scotland are deeply rooted in his family history. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in 1912 in a modest home near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. She emigrated to New York in 1930, leaving behind a large Scots Gaelic-speaking family. Trump’s connection to Scotland is notably emotional; he once remarked, “My mother was born in Scotland — Stornoway, which is serious Scotland.”
The visit comes just two months before King Charles III is scheduled to host Trump for a formal state visit in the United Kingdom. During this trip, Trump will not only engage with political leaders but will also encounter protests organized by various groups, including the Stop Trump Scotland coalition. This group has called for demonstrators to gather in Aberdeen to express their sentiments against the president.
Golf Ventures and Local Controversies
Trump’s history in Scotland is closely intertwined with his ventures in the golf industry. In 2006, he proposed developing a golf course along the picturesque North Sea coast north of Aberdeen, which became known as Trump International Scotland. The project was initially supported by the Scottish government but faced significant opposition from local residents and conservationists. They argued that the coastal area was home to rare wildlife, including skylarks and otters.
A notable figure in this resistance was local fisherman Michael Forbes, who rejected an offer of £350,000 (approximately $690,000 at the time) for his family farm situated within the proposed estate. Forbes continues to live on his property, which Trump controversially referred to as “a slum and a pigsty.” Reflecting on this contentious period in 2008, Trump stated, “If it weren’t for my mother, would I have walked away from this site? I think probably I would have, yes.”
Despite the controversies, the golf course eventually opened in 2012. However, some of the grander aspects of the development, such as a hotel and numerous housing units, have not materialized, and the course itself has yet to turn a profit. A second 18-hole course, named the MacLeod Course in honor of his mother, is scheduled to open this summer.
Trump’s other Scottish golf property, the long-established Turnberry resort, which he acquired in 2014, has encountered less public backlash. Trump has advocated for the British Open to return to Turnberry for the first time since 2009, although logistical issues related to infrastructure must be resolved before that can happen.
Political Engagement and Local Sentiments
The dynamics of Trump’s relationships with Scottish and U.K. politicians have been turbulent. Over ten years ago, he was enlisted by the Scottish government as an unpaid advisor within the GlobalScot network. However, he was dropped in 2015 following his controversial remarks advocating for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. This incident led to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen revoking an honorary doctorate it had awarded him in 2010.
During his upcoming visit, Trump is expected to meet with John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, who has previously criticized him. Swinney, who endorsed Kamala Harris ahead of the last election, stated that it is “in Scotland’s interest” for him to engage with the president. This statement has drawn criticism from some Scots who question the value of such a meeting, further fueling the anticipated protests.
Another significant political figure, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is also expected to attend discussions with Trump. The Prime Minister has cultivated a positive relationship with Trump, who recently expressed his admiration, stating, “I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he’s a liberal.” Their talks will likely center around trade, particularly in relation to securing an exemption for U.K. steel from Trump’s tariffs.
As Trump’s visit unfolds, the juxtaposition of political dialogue and public dissent highlights the ongoing complexities of his relationship with Scotland, a land that holds deep personal significance for him.