Former U.S. President Donald Trump is wrapping up his four-day visit to Scotland.
His final engagement includes a one-on-one meeting with Scottish First Minister John Swinney.
The two leaders are expected to discuss whisky tariffs and the situation in the Middle East.
Later, Trump will officially open a new golf course at his resort in Aberdeenshire.
A Visit Focused on Trade
Trump’s visit has largely centered on trade discussions with the European Union.
Earlier in the week, he played golf at his Turnberry resort and welcomed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Following their meeting, both leaders flew to RAF Lossiemouth aboard Air Force One.
They later dined with First Minister Swinney at the Trump resort in Balmedie, near Aberdeen.
Heavy Security and Public Protests
The trip has involved a large-scale police operation in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.
Additional security was also deployed for protest marches in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Ahead of the visit, the White House said trade talks would be a key agenda item.
Focus on Whisky Tariffs
Although a broader U.S.-UK trade deal has been agreed, a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky still remains.
When asked whether the tariff might be dropped, Trump responded:
“We’ll talk about that. I didn’t know whisky was a problem. I’m not a big whisky drinker, but maybe I should be.”
First Minister Swinney said he planned to raise the issue directly with Trump.
A Scottish government spokesperson confirmed that Monday’s dinner would be an opportunity to push for tariff exemptions for Scotland’s whisky and salmon industries.
Swinney’s Comments on the Tariff Issue
Speaking to the BBC, Swinney said:
“Tariffs are very important for the Scottish economy and obviously Scotch whisky is a unique product.”
He added that although the U.S. trade deal provides some economic stability, tariffs are raising costs for the industry.
His goal is to persuade Trump that Scotch whisky should be excluded from these additional charges.
Trump Criticizes Wind Energy
At a media conference in Turnberry, Trump took aim at wind turbines, calling them “ugly monsters.”
He has long opposed wind farms and previously lost a legal battle to prevent one near his Aberdeenshire golf course.
“Wind is the most expensive form of energy and it destroys the beauty of your fields, your plains and your waterways,” Trump said.
He argued that wind power requires massive subsidies from taxpayers in both Scotland and the UK.
Instead, Trump urged a focus on North Sea oil and gas.
A Mixed Energy Future
Trump emphasized:
“When we go to Aberdeen, you’ll see some of the ugliest windmills you’ve ever seen, the height of a 50-storey building.”
“You can take 1,000 times more energy out of a hole in the ground this big. It’s called oil and gas, and you have it there in the North Sea.”
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the importance of oil and gas but emphasized the UK’s commitment to a mixed energy strategy, including wind, solar, and nuclear power.
A Personal and Political Visit
Trump’s visit was described as a “private” trip but featured a blend of business, politics, and golf.
His personal connection to Scotland runs deep—his mother was born in Lewis and emigrated to New York in 1930.
Trump has often cited this heritage as a reason for investing in Scottish golf resorts.
Over the past decade, he has been a frequent visitor to his properties in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire.
Looking Ahead
Trump is scheduled to return to the UK in September for a state visit.
During that trip, he will stay with King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
