Former US President Donald Trump was pictured smiling at his Scottish golf course, the MacLeod course, eight miles north of Aberdeen. He arrived on Monday to inaugurate what he referred to as "a new and SPECTACULAR Second Course" despite being embroiled in multiple court cases. Trump's trip to Scotland and criticism of Transport Minister Kevin Stewart have made headlines.
Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Monday to open a new golf course at his resort near Aberdeen. However, the former president is under investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office over allegations that The Trump Organization inflated the value of his Scottish golf resorts, as well as a number of other properties and assets.
Trump has frequently faced opposition in Scotland with regards to his resorts at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. Locals have criticized him for causing damage to local sand dune systems due to construction projects related to these ventures. In December 2020, Scotland's Nature Agency confirmed that the sand dunes around the Trump International golf course had been stripped of their protected status due to destruction caused by resort development.
"There are genuine concerns about environmental impacts surrounding Mr. Trump's activities," said Fiona McGregor from Friends of Aberdeenshire Dunes (FAD). "It is time for our government officials here in Scotland take this matter seriously."
Amid renewed calls for action against this backdrop, some individuals and groups are urging First Minister Humza Yousaf and the Scottish government pursue an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) against former president Donald Trump during his latest visit.
"We cannot allow anyone – no matter their wealth or political power – evade responsibility when it comes preserving our natural environment," stated Martin Whitfield MP from East Lothian Labour Party.
Despite ongoing controversy regarding environmental issues related with his ventures along with pending investigations, Trump appears to remain optimistic about the future of his resorts in Scotland, as evidenced by his opening of a new golf course.
"Scotland is an incredible country with amazing people and landscapes," said Trump. "I believe this new MacLeod course will bring even more people here to experience its beauty."
As investigations continue and opposition grows against former President Donald Trump's ventures in Scotland, it remains to be seen what further developments will arise from these ongoing controversies.