US President Donald Trump recently visited Scotland to inaugurate a new 18-hole golf course at Trump International Golf Links, located near Aberdeen. However, the visit brought back old tensions surrounding his golf projects in the country.
New Course Faces Familiar Opposition
The MacLeod Course, named after Trump’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod, is scheduled to officially open in August 2025. Although it features an attractive design and promises a luxury experience, the course has already drawn strong resistance from local communities and environmental activists.
Protests Echo Trump’s Presidential Years
Trump’s past visits to Scotland, especially during his time in office, sparked major protests. In 2018, thousands gathered in Edinburgh over three days as Trump played at his Turnberry golf course. Demonstrators loudly voiced their disapproval, chanted slogans, and gathered near the course to boo him. Authorities had to deploy significant security forces, including snipers on scaffolding, to monitor the situation. Some activists even used paragliders to fly protest banners over the resort.
During these demonstrations, people carried signs that read, "Love Trumps Hate" and "No to racism, no to Trump." Groups like Stand Up To Racism organized several of these protests, denouncing Trump’s behavior and past comments.
Local Land Disputes Continue
Trump’s issues in Scotland date back to earlier conflicts, particularly at the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire, where he built one of his first golf courses. There, locals accused Trump of trying to pressure them into selling their properties. One long-time resident, David Milne, refused to sell his land despite pressure.
Milne remains unhappy with the development. He told CBS News, "It's always second-best to what was there originally. When I came in here, this landscape was untouched … now it's just a golf course."
Environmental and Political Backlash Grows
Trump’s efforts to prevent the construction of a nearby offshore wind farm also failed. Scotland’s supreme court ruled against him, leading the Trump Organization to criticize the government harshly. At the same time, Scottish politicians accused Trump of not delivering on promises about job creation and investments.
Beyond the environmental concerns, Trump’s presence in Scotland has remained politically controversial. Groups like the Stop Trump Coalition have organized rallies to oppose his return. Many protestors raised concerns about his past policies, his impact on local communities, and even brought up allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.
Limited Success for Trump’s Golf Ambitions
Despite Trump’s investment, none of his Scottish properties, including the famous Turnberry, have hosted a British Open, which significantly lowers their prestige and revenue potential. This has added to the frustration surrounding his projects in Scotland.