Donald Trump’s Complex Relationship with Scotland: A Legacy of Division and Discontent

By Craig Williams, BBC Scotland News

Donald Trump’s connection to Scotland, a land his mother called home, is deeply personal, yet his presence has often been met with division and significant public disapproval. While other US presidents have found warmth and celebration in their ancestral homelands, Trump’s relationship with Scotland has been largely antagonistic, marked by environmental battles, controversial development plans, and widespread public opposition.

The narrative of Donald Trump and Scotland is intrinsically linked to his ambition to build what he proclaimed would be the “world’s greatest golf course” on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire. Launched in 2006, this venture was presented as a tribute to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who hailed from Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Trump often spoke of his deep affection for Scotland, a sentiment that, however, has not been reciprocated by a significant portion of the Scottish populace.

This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of other US presidents with Scottish roots. John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden, for instance, embraced their Irish heritage, enjoying widely celebrated visits that underscored a profound connection with the Irish people. Biden’s 2023 tour, in particular, was a triumphant journey through his ancestral towns, culminating in a powerful address to the Irish Parliament where he declared, “I’m at home.”

While 34 out of 45 US presidents have Scottish ancestry, according to the National Library of Scotland, Trump’s connection is particularly profound, with his mother being a native Gaelic speaker. Despite this familial link, his approach to business and his public persona have alienated many in Scotland. A recent poll indicated that seven in ten Scots hold an unfavorable opinion of the former president.

The development of the Aberdeenshire golf course was mired in controversy from its inception. The chosen site, the Menie Dunes, was a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), renowned for its unique and fragile sand dune ecosystem. Trump’s plans faced fierce opposition from environmental groups and conservation agencies, including Scottish Natural Heritage, which warned of significant damage to the SSSI. Despite local council rejections and strong environmental concerns, the project was eventually approved by Scottish government ministers, who cited potential economic benefits as outweighing environmental harm.

The conflict extended beyond environmental issues to deeply personal disputes with local residents. Michael Forbes and David and Moira Milne, who owned properties adjacent to the proposed course, refused to sell their land. Trump responded with public criticism, calling the Milnes’ home “ugly” and accusing Forbes of living in a “pig-like atmosphere.” These neighbors became symbols of resistance, with the Milnes even flying a Mexican flag in protest against Trump’s proposed border wall, and Forbes later branding the president a “clown.”

Despite the controversies, Trump’s initial arrival in Scotland was met with a degree of support from some political and business circles. Former First Minister Jack McConnell appointed Trump as a “GlobalScot” business ambassador, and Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University awarded him an honorary degree. Early supporters, like the late hotelier Stewart Spence, believed Trump’s commitment to developing “the best in the world” would bring significant economic benefits, including jobs and tourism.

However, as years passed, the promised economic windfall failed to fully materialize. An investigation by BBC Scotland in 2024 revealed that the Aberdeenshire resort, which has yet to turn a profit, had a net book value of £33.2m and employed 81 people, falling far short of the initial projections of a £1bn project creating hundreds of jobs. Furthermore, key elements of the original proposal, such as a large hotel and extensive housing developments, have not been built.

Trump’s contentious stance on renewable energy also strained relations. His public opposition to an offshore wind farm near his Aberdeenshire course, which led to a legal battle he ultimately lost, resulted in sharp criticism of Scottish politicians. His earlier praise for Alex Salmond turned into public denouncements, warning of “riots all over Scotland” if the natural beauty was destroyed.

The Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, acquired in 2014, has also faced challenges. Following the events of January 2021, The Open golf tournament organizers stated it would not be held at Turnberry as long as it remains associated with the Trump Organization, although recent indications suggest this stance may evolve.

Turnberry has frequently been the focal point for protests against Trump, including acts of vandalism in response to his comments on the conflict in Gaza. Even in Stornoway, the birthplace of his mother, disapproval has been voiced publicly.

As Donald Trump prepares for another visit, concerns linger regarding the costs of policing and the potential for further demonstrations. His unique ability to court controversy and provoke opposition remains a defining characteristic. While protests might not sway his decisions or alter his views, they highlight the persistent and vocal dissent he faces in Scotland, a sentiment that seems unlikely to change, regardless of his political status.