News Summary
Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Scotland has reignited local tensions, particularly in Balmedie where residents criticize his business practices related to his golf resort. Amidst protests and dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises, the trip is set to include discussions on U.S.-U.K. trade and the opening of a new golf course. Many locals remain skeptical and voice their discontent regarding the lack of economic benefits and environmental degradation linked to Trump’s developments.
Balmedie, Scotland – Donald Trump is set to return to Scotland for a four-day visit beginning July 25, 2025. His itinerary includes visits to his golf resorts at Turnberry and Balmedie, where he is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 28 to discuss a recent U.S.-U.K. trade deal.
Local residents in Balmedie have voiced strong criticism of Trump’s business practices, particularly concerning his golf resort in the area. For nearly 20 years, families like that of Michael Forbes, a retired quarry worker, have resisted Trump’s attempts to acquire their land. Residents describe Trump as a bad neighbor who has engaged in bullying tactics to expand his business, allegations that Trump has consistently denied. Local discontent centers around the failure of the golf resort to meet its promised economic benefits. While Trump pledged to invest $1.5 billion into the project, he has reportedly spent only around $120 million and has not delivered the anticipated 1,000 permanent jobs or thousands of temporary construction jobs; instead, only 84 jobs have been created.
The development’s slow progress has resulted in significant disappointment. The original plans included a 450-room luxury hotel and numerous homes, yet only a 19-room boutique hotel and a small clubhouse have been realized. Additionally, the golf course is struggling financially, having lost $1.9 million in 2023, marking its 11th consecutive year of financial loss since Trump acquired the land in 2006. Local accounts indicate that the golf course remains underutilized, with fairways appearing less than half full even during peak summer months.
Despite the critical views, some residents acknowledge the aesthetic improvements made by Trump to the area, notably the transformation of the dunes into a golf course. Recent surveys have indicated that approximately 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable opinion of Trump, reflecting his diminished popularity across Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
During his visit, Trump is expected to open a new 18-hole course at his Balmedie property, which he intends to dedicate to his mother. However, the trip is likely to spark protests organized by groups such as the Stop Trump Coalition. Concerns have been raised over potential vandalism and negative reactions tied to Trump’s business dealings and political viewpoints.
Historical interactions between Trump and the local community have been marked by tensions. Residents recall attempts by Trump to negotiate land acquisitions that were met with refusal, particularly from individuals like David Milne, who cited below-market offers and unfavorable changes to his property views. One notable dispute involved allegations that Trump’s workers sabotaged a water pipe on Forbes’ land, leaving his family without clean drinking water for an extended period.
Since the opening of Trump’s golf course in 2012, community members have expressed regret over unfulfilled promises and negative impacts on local environment and lifestyle. Former Aberdeen council members have since voiced their regrets for initially supporting Trump’s project due to concerns over environmental degradation. The dunes housing the golf course lost their designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2020, as reported by Nature Scot.
Overall, Trump’s repeated visits to Scotland have drawn criticism from local residents, reflecting a complex relationship deeply rooted in his business practices and community interactions. The upcoming trip is anticipated to continue this contentious dynamic.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Trump’s Scotland Golf Resort
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- CBS News: Trump’s Scotland Golf Course
- Google Search: Trump golf course Scotland
- The New York Times: Trump Visit to Scotland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trade Agreement
- The Washington Post: Trump and Starmer in Scotland
- Google News: Trump visit Scotland
- Press Democrat: Trump’s Trip to Scotland
- Google Scholar: Trump golf course Scotland
