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Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
'Terrific guy' John Swinney will view his meetings with Donald Trump as a big success
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was a moment John Swinney will probably remember for the rest of his life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I also want to thank your First Minister, who's here," the US President, who was dressed in his golf gear and a white cap, told the audience of assembled dignitaries from the worlds of politics, business and sport. "John, will you stand up? John Swinney, who's a terrific guy and he loves golf and he loves the people of this country, and we really appreciate it. You're really a very special guy. Thank you very much for everything, John." US President Donald Trump during his visit to Scotland | PA The night before, Mr Swinney had joined the US President for a private dinner at Trump International, which was also attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and around 18 other people. The First Minister sat on one side of Mr Trump, with Sir Keir on the other. The President's son, Eric, sat across from them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over a meal of langoustines and beef, the conversation ranged from business to pleasure. Mr Swinney showed the President a photo of his teenage son, Matthew, playing golf on Tiree a few weeks ago. 'He commented to me that my son has a beautiful swing, which my son was very pleased to hear about,' the First Minister said. They also talked tariffs, and particularly their impact on the Scotch whisky industry. The US export market is worth almost £1 billion a year to the whisky sector, but tariffs are costing it about £4 million a week. Mr Swinney argues whisky should be exempted because of its unique status. He said the President listened to this and showed a willingness to look again at the issue. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John Swinney chatting with Anas Sarwar | Lisa Ferguson / The Scotsman The pair then met again for around 15 minutes on Tuesday morning, shortly before the opening ceremony at Trump International, where the main topic of conversation was Gaza. They posed for pictures in front of the American flag and Saltire. There is now a sense of optimism within Mr Swinney's team that a breakthrough can be made on whisky tariffs. A window of opportunity has opened, they believe, which simply did not exist before. On Monday, Mr Trump told journalists he did not know whisky tariffs were a problem. Well, now he knows, and that counts for something. He will return to the UK for a full state visit in September. Could some sort of deal be struck before then? 'I think President Trump came to Scotland on Friday with a view that the UK-US trade deal was done and dusted, it was all settled,' the First Minister told journalists. 'And I've set out to him an argument about the unique character and identity of Scotch whisky.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Donald Trump leaves Scotland in Air Force One after star-studded golf match & private talks with John Swinney
DONALD Trump waves one last goodbye to Scotland as he boarded his Air Force One back to Washington D,C. after officially opening his new golf course in Aberdeenshire. Last night he flew from Turnberry to the North East and hosted a private dinner with dignitaries including the Prime Minister, First Minister, and high profile business people. 3 3 Mr Trump and Sir Keir landed at Menie aboard Marine One, the president's helicopter, which was seen circling the new course before it touched down on Monday evening. Before teeing off at Trump International, the US President met with John Swinney for a private one-to-one. It was the first time the pair have met since they clashed in November last year when the SNP leader called on US voters to back his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the US Presidential election - leading his UK-based business to slam the endorsement as an 'insult'. The President opened the 'new course' at Trump International in Menie, just north of Aberdeen, at a 'grand opening' ceremony shortly before 11am. He thanked his son Eric, who he said had "worked so hard" on creating the New Course at the resort. Trump International's 'new course' is the second at the venue since the newly named 'old course' opened in 2012. The new 18 holes measures 7,589 yards - with Trump International now self-styled as the 'greatest 36 holes in golf'. Mr Trump made a short speech on the first tee of the course before playing a round. It comes after Mr Trump yesterday hosted an 80-minute televised press conference with the Prime Minister after meeting with Sir Keir Starmer at his other golf course at Turnberry, Ayrshire. In it, he blasted wind power - slamming wind turbines as 'ugly monsters' - and urged more drilling in the North Sea. Furious Trump says he'll CUT Putin's 50-day peace deadline and says he's 'disappointed' after latest ruthless Kyiv blitz And he poured cold water on the possibility of a second independence referendum within the next '50 or 75 years'. He also spoke of his love for Scotland due to his late mother's birthplace being in the Isle of Lewis and said: 'My mother loved Scotland. This is a part of the world I want to see thrive.' The second course at Trump International is expected to be dedicated to the president's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. 28th Jul 2025, 12:00 By Zoe Phillips Trump supporter at Turnberry The US President has been escorted by an entourage of staff and Secret Service agents throughout his visit. Meanwhile, roads around Turnberry have been blocked off as Sir Keir Starmer arrives. An image taken today shows a Trump supporter on the road into the golf resort with an American flag draped over his shoulder. 28th Jul 2025, 11:40 By Zoe Phillips Trump visit 'potentially boosting tourism' First Minister John Swinney has said that US President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland will potentially boost tourism. In a column for the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Swinney said that "the eyes of the world are upon us" and he was "pleased to meet" Mr Trump. Mr Swinney said that millions of Americans including Mr Trump have ancestral links to Scotland and that the US is "our largest inward investor" and "Scotland's top international export destination". He cited Mr Trump's visit as an opportunity for American citizens to "see the very best that our country has to offer" and that "many of those watching this visit are, of course, future potential tourists and investors in Scotland". The First Minister praised peaceful protests which he said were "essential in a free and democratic society" as well as the policing effort. He wrote: "This deep and enduring friendship between Scotland and the US is one which we must cherish and nurture, to ensure it continues long into the future." 28th Jul 2025, 11:01 By Zoe Phillips Starmer touches down in Scotland Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plane has touched down at Prestwick Airport. The US President will greet Starmer at his Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire. 28th Jul 2025, 11:00 By Zoe Phillips Starmer 'doing good job' Mr Trump previously praised Sir Keir for doing a "very good job" in office ahead of their talks today. The two leaders have built a rapport on the world stage despite their differing political backgrounds. Speaking to journalists on Sunday about his meeting with Sir Keir, Mr Trump said: "We're meeting about a lot of things. We have our trade deal and it's been a great deal. "It's good for us. It's good for them and good for us. I think the UK is very happy, they've been trying for 12 years to get it and they got it, and it's a great trade deal for both, works out very well. "We'll be discussing that. I think we're going to be discussing a lot about Israel. "They're very much involved in terms of wanting something to happen. "He's doing a very good job, by the way." 28th Jul 2025, 10:40 By Jack Aitchison Security remains on alert Good morning from Turnberry where security operations remain on high alert to protect the US President during his visit to Scotland. Marksman teams, patrolling buggies and round-the-clock cop guards have been pictured at the Trump's Ayrshire resort. By US 'has the leverage' The US is the country "with the leverage" to make a difference in the conflict in Gaza, the Business Secretary has suggested. Speaking to BBC Breakfast ahead of Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, Jonathan Reynolds said: "Of course, Gaza will be on the agenda today. "(...) The intolerable scenes that we're seeing, the world is seeing, are the backdrop to that. "And of course, the US has itself secured on two occasions ceasefires in the conflict, so they have been actively engaged in it, working with Egypt, the Qataris, and other key partners in the region. "The US is the country I think we'd all recognise with the leverage here to really make a difference on both sides. So their role is fundamentally important." 28th Jul 2025, 10:00 By Jack Aitchison A costly visit... The First Minister John Swinney said the final cost of the policing Donald Trump's private visit to Scotland has yet to be worked out. "Obviously, we're working very closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority about the arrangements for this visit," he told BBC Breakfast. "The security arrangements have gone well since President Trump arrived on Friday, and that's as it should be, because we've got an obligation to make sure that when we have major international visitors, when they come to Scotland, that they are protected and able to go about their activities. Pressed to reveal the bill, Mr Swinney added: "All of that will be worked out and we'll address that with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, and we're talking to the United Kingdom government about these questions, but it's important that we have a secure policing operation. "It's also important that members of the public who wish to express their point of view, who want to protest about the visit or about other issues, are able to go about their exercise of their democratic right to protest. That's exactly what they've been able to do since Friday, and that's the way it should be." 28th Jul 2025, 09:45 By Jack Aitchison 'More to do' on UK-US deal There is "more to do" on the UK-US trade deal, the Business Secretary has said, as he indicated it may be unlikely there will be a "resolution" to the talks to announce after Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump on Monday. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Jonathan Reynolds said "it's really important to have the president here" and the visit offers "a chance to do a bit of business". On the UK-US trade relationship, he added, "We were very happy to announce the breakthrough that we had a few months ago in relation to sectors like automotive, aerospace, which are really important to the UK economy. "But we always said it was job saved, but it wasn't job done. There's more to do. "The negotiations have been going on on a daily basis since then. There's a few issues to push a little bit further today. "We won't perhaps have anything to announce a resolution of those talks, but there's some sectors that we still need to resolve, particularly around steel and aluminium, and there's the wider conversation about what the US calls its reciprocal tariffs." 28th Jul 2025, 09:30 By Jack Aitchison Whisky business The First Minister John Swinney has said he will press President Donald Trump to exempt Scotch whisky from US trade tariffs. Mr Swinney said the "uniqueness" of whisky made in Scotland justified the exemption from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the US. "Tariffs are very important for the Scottish economy and obviously scotch whisky is a unique product," he told BBC Breakfast. "It can only be produced in Scotland. It's not a product that can be produced in any other part of the world. So there's a uniqueness about that, which I think means there is a case for it to be taken out of the tariffs arrangement that is now in place. "Obviously the trade deal with the United States provides a degree of stability for economic connections with the United States, but the application of tariffs is increasing the costs for the Scotch whisky industry. So one of my objectives will be to make the case to President Trump that Scotch whiskey should be exempted from those tariffs. "It's a product that is uniquely produced in Scotland, and it's a product that is much welcomed and supported within the United States. And I think there's a really good case for exempting Scotch whisky, and this is an opportunity that I have to put that case to President Trump on behalf of the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant part of the Scottish economy. "And the tariffs just now are costing the industry about £4 million each week, so it's a very significant burden on the industry. It would help growth and development within the Scottish economy if we could secure that deal. And, obviously, I'll be using every opportunity I have to try to put that across to President Trump." 28th Jul 2025, 09:15 By Jack Aitchison Swinney to push Trump on Gaza John Swinney was asked whether his previous claim that Donald Trump's call for the displacement of the Gazan people out of the region amounted to "ethnic cleansing" would have an impact on his meeting with the US president. The First Minister replied: "I think what's important is that we focus on the solutions that are required now, and the absolutely immediate situation is a necessity for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to need to flow into Gaza so that the people of Gaza can be saved from the starvation that they face. And that is the blunt human reality of the situation that we face, and there must be an intensification of pressure on Israel. "And I think President Trump is ideally positioned. In fact, he's perhaps uniquely positioned to apply that pressure to Israel to ensure that there is safe passage for humanitarian aid to support the people of Gaza, who face an absolutely unbearable set of circumstances as a consequence of the conflict. "And a key part of that must be the application of a durable ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid and the progress towards a two state solution in the Middle East." 28th Jul 2025, 08:59 By Jack Aitchison Time to face the Don Details around Sir Keir Starmer's visit have been revealed. The Prime Minister will engage in "wide-ranging" discussions at Turnberry with the US President on issues including trade and the Israel-Hamas war. Later, the PM and First Minister John Swinney will attend a banquet-style dinner hosted by the US leader in the north-east. It comes ahead of him opening a new 18-hole golf course in honour of his late Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, at Menie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday. According to an itinerary published by website Trump will meet Starmer at noon. The pair will then hold "bilateral" discussions at 12:30pm. 28th Jul 2025, 08:47 By Jack Aitchison Swinney to 'promote interests' of Scotland THE First Minister John Swinney has said he will use a planned meeting with Donald Trump to urge the US President to apply pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Speaking ahead of discussions with Mr Trump, which are expected to take place in Aberdeenshire, Mr Swinney told BBC Breakfast: "President Trump obviously is very welcome in Scotland. "He brings with him a huge amount of media attention to Scotland, and obviously there's been significant international events have been handled as a consequence of his visit here in Scotland, particularly the trade talks with the European Union. "So what I want to pursue with President Trump is obviously the issues that are of concern to the people of Scotland. "The international situation is causing deep unease and concern and heartbreak within Scotland, particularly the situation in Gaza. "And, obviously, President Trump has got a hugely influential position in trying to resolve the situation in the Middle East. "And also we have domestic priorities around trade and investment and economic connection with the United States, which remains a very significant market for Scotland. "And I want to make sure that I use my role as First Minister of Scotland to protect and to promote the interests of the people of Scotland." 28th Jul 2025, 07:30 By Rachel Guy Rough spot This is the hilarious moment Donald Trump's golf caddy appears to drop his ball into a prime spot before he takes his shot. A video clip has emerged which shows two golf caddies alongside the US President as he drives a golf cart around Turnberry. Hilarious moment Donald Trump's golf caddie appears to subtly drop ball in prime spot before he arrives to take shot The caddies go ahead of the US leaser and one appears to try and secretly place a golf ball on the ground. The President then gets out and claims to have made the shot himself. Trump waves for cameras on the third green at the southeast end of the course before the party moves on. One person who watched the footage circulating on X wrote: "Caddy did that so smoothly. Can only imagine how many times he's done it." 28th Jul 2025, 07:00 By Rachel Guy Trump in a grump Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney face a difficult 'balancing act' in talks with Donald Trump today - after the US President admitted he was in a grumpy mood. The Prime Minister will fly to Scotland this morning to meet Mr Trump at his Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire for a 'wide-ranging' summit on issues including trade and the Israel-Hamas war. Later, the PM and the First Minister will attend a banquet-style dinner hosted by the US leader in the north-east, ahead of him opening a new 18-hole golf course in honour of his late Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, at Menie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday. But despite striking an EU trade deal, the unpredictable US President admitted he was 'not in a good mood' after a hectic weekend at Turnberry, where he juggled two rounds of golf with family time, presidential business, and a flurry of social media blasts taking aim at rivals back home. A senior SNP insider admitted that today's multiple summits - including an expected one-to-one between Mr Trump and Mr Swinney in the north-east - amounted to 'a difficult balancing act for everyone', with both the PM and FM expected to try to pressure Mr Trump on thorny issues including trade tariffs and reviving stalled Gaza peace talks. Speaking in the first of two press conferences with White House reporters, journalists suggested he seemed in a good mood. But Mr Trump replied: 'I'm actually not in a good mood' - prompting a nervous smile and a raised eyebrow from Ms von der Leyen. The President insisted it was nothing to do with imminent talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and asked why he was in a bad mood and if it was to do with his latest golf round, Mr Trump said: 'No, the golf was beautiful. Golf can never be bad.' 27th Jul 2025, 23:09 By Rachel Guy Ceasefire talks Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine. On Monday, Sir Keir will travel to Scotland to meet the president on his golf course at Trump Turnberry, Girvan, Aryshire, where he has been playing golf since Saturday morning. 27th Jul 2025, 22:30 By Rachel Guy Grump Trump Earlier tonight Mr Trump admitted he was 'not in a good mood' after a hectic weekend at Turnberry, where he juggled two rounds of golf with family time, presidential business, and a flurry of social media blasts taking aim at rivals back home. Speaking in the first of two press conferences with White House reporters, journalists suggested he seemed in a good mood. But Mr Trump replied: 'I'm actually not in a good mood' - prompting a nervous smile and a raised eyebrow from Ms von der Leyen. The President insisted it was nothing to do with imminent talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and asked why he was in a bad mood and if it was to do with his latest golf round, Mr Trump said: 'No, the golf was beautiful. Golf can never be bad.' 27th Jul 2025, 22:00 By Rachel Guy Biggest ever Following the meeting, Mr Trump said: "I think it's great that we made a deal today instead of playing games and maybe not making a deal at all ... I think it's the biggest deal ever made." Ms von der Leyen said: "Today's deal creates certainty in uncertain times, it delivers stability and predictability for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic." 27th Jul 2025, 21:30 By Rachel Guy EU-US deal The bloc will face 15% tariffs on most of its goods including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals entering America rather than a 30% levy previously threatened by the US President. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement would provide "certainty in uncertain times" for citizens and businesses, while Mr Trump hailed what he described as the "biggest deal ever made". They also agreed "zero for zero" tariffs on a number of products including aircraft, some agricultural goods and certain chemicals, Ms von der Leyen said. The two leaders met at the US President's Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire on Sunday to hammer out the broad terms of the agreement, the detail of which is due to be fleshed out in the coming weeks. 27th Jul 2025, 21:00 By Rachel Guy Beach fury An onlooker said: 'Police were shutting off the beach and the park. 'It's one of the country's best and we're in the middle of the school holidays. 'Trump doesn't own it so it feels ridiculous that people who live here are being told to leave. "Loads of people were told to go." 27th Jul 2025, 20:50 By Rachel Guy Locked down Holidaymakers have been ordered to leave a country park boasting one of Scotland's best beaches as police prepared for Donald Trump's visit to his nearby golf course. Visitors were told to vacate Balmedie Country Park as security is beefed up ahead of US president's trip to his neighbouring Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire tomorrow. 27th Jul 2025, 20:32 By Rachel Guy Trump support Despite dire warning of protests at the Ayrshire course, nobody turned up on this blustery, grey morning. The only people on the dunes near the course, other than the world's media, were three hardy Trump fans from Liverpool. Kay English, 38, said she and hubby Tom had travelled from England to show the President that he was loved by people in the UK. The pair wore 'Make England Great Again' caps modelled on the MAGA design and waved a Stars and Stripes. They held up a crude banner mocking Sir Keir Starmer which Trump tried to read from the course. Kay said: "I shouted 'We Love you Trump' because I want him to realise those protests against him are the minority. "I was so happy that he blew me a kiss. "I like him because he stands for the people, unlike our politicians." 27th Jul 2025, 19:50 By Rachel Guy Great for cars Trump said the deal will be "great for cars", and will have a big impact on agriculture. He added that he is "looking at three or four other countries" to strike deals with as well, but that they will most likely include some form of tariffs. 27th Jul 2025, 19:00 By Rachel Guy 'Festival of resistance' A "festival of resistance" is set to be held near Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf course ahead of meetings with political leaders tomorrow. The protest at The White Horse Inn, Balmedie, Aberdeen, is close to the Trump International Scotland golf resort and organisers said they object to it receiving £180,000 of public funding for the Nexo Championship next month. Organiser of Stop Trump Scotland, Alena Ivanova, said: "As Donald Trump is expected to arrive at his Aberdeenshire golf course, residents and protesters are gathering in Balmedie from 3pm to continue the festival of resistance. "This message is to Donald Trump but also our elected leaders preparing to meet him: there is no place for Trumpism in Scotland."
BBC News
19 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Trump flies back to the US after whirlwind trip to Scotland
Donald Trump has left for the US after a whirlwind four-day trip to president mixed business with pleasure in the "private visit", agreeing a major trade deal and meeting the UK and Scottish heads of government in between rounds of golf. While promoting his two golf courses in Turnberry and Menie, he agreed a deal with the president of the EU Commission - reducing EU tariffs from 30% to 15% for exports to the also discussed topics including whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza in meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. Trump flew in on the presidential plane Air Force One on Friday night declaring "it's great to be in Scotland".He was then swept away to his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire in a motorcade consisting of more than two dozen vehicles, flanked by Police Scotland vehicles and ambulance crews. The trip was not without the president's trademark provocative had barely left the plane at Prestwick Airport when he turned to a group of journalists and reiterated his distaste for wind farms, declaring "stop the windmills - you're ruining your countries".His company, Trump International, previously lost a long-running court battle to stop a major wind power development being built in the North Sea off argued that the project, which included 11 wind turbines, would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie in his trip, President Trump has been keen to remind everyone that he has Scottish roots - his mother was from Stornoway - and frequently declared his love for the Anne MacLeod, was born in 1912 on the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and left during the Great Depression for New York where she married property developer Fred Trump. After a round of golf at Turnberry on Saturday, Trump met the European Commission President Ursula Von von der Leyen. Before the talks began he said he was "not in a good mood".However the pair came to an agreement, setting the US tariffs on goods from Europe at 15% across the European Union had been facing a 30% levy on its exports to the US from 1 Monday, the president and prime minister held a meeting at Turnberry, where Starmer presented the president with a European-led peace plan for Gaza before they held a media two men then flew to Lossiemouth on Air Force One before taking the presidential helicopter to the Trump International golf resort in Aberdeenshire. Swinney had dinner with Trump for about two hours on Monday night, when the first minister made the case for exempting Scotch whisky from US was followed by a shorter discussion on Tuesday morning, focused on what Swinney said was the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. After the meeting, a Scottish government source said the two leaders had a "very good conversation". Speaking about their discussion on whisky tariffs, Swinney said: "When the president came to Scotland at the end of last week, I think his view was that the trade deal with the UK was done and dusted."I was setting out to him a very unique circumstance around Scotch whisky which can only be produced in Scotland."It's not something that can be relocated somewhere else."I was pointing out the significance of that point and appealing to his sentiment about being very positive about Scotland - which he is - to try to get to a better position." Asked about his relationship with Mr Trump, Swinney said there had been "very good and courteous" conversations between the pair."I think we talked well about the issues that matter to the people of Scotland," he said."He has a deep affinity with Scotland, so he's got a warmth and an empathy towards Scotland and he was interested in all the issues that I was raising about Scotland."So I think we had a very welcome opportunity to engage in dialogue and to build a relationship." President Trump opened a new 18-hole course at Menie and had a quick round of golf before leaving for Lossiemouth on the presidential helicopter Marine Force. He then departed for the US on Air Force said he was returning to Washington DC to "put out fires all over the world"."We've stopped about five wars. That's much more important than playing golf," he his visit, a major security operation has been under way in South Ayrshire and of officers were drafted in from other UK forces support Police Scotland and road closures and diversions were put in place, along with security of protesters gathered in Aberdeen and Edinburgh however Trump supporters also greeted the Trump will return to the UK in September for a state visit, when he will stay with the King at Windsor Castle.
Edinburgh Reporter
20 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
First Minister and the Prime Minister meet with the US President in Scotland
The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, met with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in Aberdeenshire on Tuesday. The President was on a private tour of his golf courses in Scotland, but mixed business with pleasure. The meeting with Mr Swinney took place at MacLeod House on the Menie Estate ahead of the official opening of the second golf course at Trump International. During his meeting with President Trump, Mr Swinney urged the President to consider economic protections for Scotland's whisky and salmon sector, including an exemption for whisky from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the US. The First Minister was also unequivocal in demanding action to tackle the 'unbearable, unjust and inhumane' situation unfolding in Gaza, as he urged the President to use his immense influence to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis. During their meeting, the First Minister also stressed Scotland's unwavering support for the people of Ukraine, urging President Trump to stand firm in defence of democracy and peace against Russian aggression. Mr Swinney also presented the President with a proposal to provide Edinburgh Airport with US Customs pre-clearance facilities which the First Minister said would help 'demonstrate the strength of America's enduring relationship with its friend and partner, Scotland'. Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said: 'During our discussions, I was able to represent the interests and values of Scotland directly with the President, specifically, urging him to make the case for tariff exemptions for our world class whisky and salmon sector. I believe there is now a window of opportunity to make the case for whisky and at the invitation of the President, I intend to make further representation to him on this matter. 'I implored President Trump to use his immense influence on the Israeli government to end the unbearable, unjust, and inhumane situation unfolding in Gaza, and to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing. 'As a proud country that stands firm on the principles of equality and freedom for all, I urged President Trump to help make those ideals – American ideals – a reality for the people of Ukraine. Scotland has consistently stood with the people of Ukraine in defence of freedom, peace and a just society, and we want to see a world where those principles apply to all.' President Trump has also met with the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and also the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister, who travelled to Aberdeen with President Trump on Air Force One, discussed Gaza and the need for urgent action there to bring an end to the suffering 'which has reached new depths'. They agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for peace. The Prime Minister welcomed the President's efforts to secure this. He also shared plans he is working on with other European leaders to bring about a lasting peace. The two leaders also agreed that they must maintain momentum to bring about an end to the war with Russian and they discussed plans for the President's upcoming State Visit to the UK in September. The White House has made its own announcements about the deals which President Trump on behalf of the United States has entered into during his visit and they have posted this montage below. The US President is leaving Scotland to return to The White House on Tuesday afternoon. Like this: Like Related
STV News
a day ago
- Politics
- STV News
Donald Trump departs golf course on final day of Scotland visit
Donald Trump has officially opened his new golf course in Aberdeenshire on the final day of his visit to Scotland A false alarm sparked a police cordon after a vehicle had to be searched outside the Menie Estate Trump met First Minister John Swinney who said he was 'pleasant company' It follows a meeting and press conference with Sir Keir Starmer on Monday Trump cut the ribbon on a second 18-hole course at his resort in Menie The President will fly back to the US on Air Force One on Tuesday evening During his trip he has made comments about the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Epstein conspiracy theories and his love for Scotland Donald Trump has left his golf resort in the north of Scotland as he begins his journey home to the US. Trump boarded the Marine One helicopter at around 4.30pm after a false alarm sparked a cordon near the Menie Estate. Police Scotland assistant chief constable Emma Bond said a cordon was set up shortly after 3pm for checks on a vehicle. A search was carried out and nothing criminal was found. Marine One will take Trump to Lossiemouth, where he will board Air Force One to fly to Washington. It comes after he officially opened a new 18-hole course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire on Tuesday morning. The US President teed off in celebration and led a round played by some famous guests. Trump thanked his son Eric, who he said had 'worked so hard' on creating the New Course at the resort. Eric Trump had earlier said he and the Trump International team had created an 'amazing masterpiece' at the New Course. The US President said his family had taken a 'beautiful piece of land, and made it much more beautiful'. Trump said he was looking forward to playing the course. 'We'll play it very quickly and then I go back to DC and we put out fires all over the world,' he said. 'We did one yesterday – you know we stopped the war. We've stopped about five wars. That's much more important than playing golf. As much as I like it, it's much more important.' Earlier, Trump met briefly with Scottish First Minister John Swinney for a one-to-one. The First Minister talked to the President about the war in Gaza, the Scottish economy, and oil and gas taxation, and they were joined by advisors, the President's second son, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. They did not discuss an exemption to tariffs for Scotch whisky on Tuesday because the leaders talked about it at length on Monday over dinner. The First Minister told Trump that Scotland was particularly concerned about Gaza's plight and that the president is in a unique position to move it on. On oil and gas, they agreed that the tax is too high at the moment. The leaders spoke for just over 15 minutes before posing together for pictures in front of a US flag and the saltire of Scotland. Swinney joined a small audience for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and Guy Kinnings, CEO of DP World Tour, said the list of illustrious guests was 'validation of the appeal of golf as sport and as an industry'. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, English football coach and former player Robbie Fowler, Italian football player and manager Gianfranco Zola, and Scottish former professional footballer Jim Leighton were among other big names at the event. It's the fifth day of the US President's private visit to Scotland, which has been described as a working holiday. After meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, Trump cut the ribbon on the 18-hole course at Trump International Golf Links on the Menie Estate on Tuesday. Later, he's expected to return to Washington on Air Force One. Trump landed at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening and spent the weekend playing golf at his resort in Turnberry. On Sunday, Trump briefly met European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and agreed to a trade deal setting a 15% tariff on most European Union goods. Trump said it was the 'biggest deal ever made'. On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer travelled to Scotland to meet the US President. The leaders discussed the US-UK trade deal and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump and Sir Keir took part in what proved to be a lengthy press conference, with the president discussing a number of topics. Getty Images Donald Trump Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak prior to a bilateral meeting at the Trump Turnberry Golf Courses. The Republican Party leader spoke of his 'great love' for Scotland and said he wanted to see the nation 'thrive'. He returned to his long-running objections to wind turbines, branding them 'ugly monsters' and speaking of his admiration for North Sea oil and gas. Discussing the war in Ukraine, Trump said he was 'very disappointed' in Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested he would bring forward a deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. The US president called Sir Sadiq Khan a 'nasty person', which prompted Sir Keir to come to the defence of his 'friend' the London Mayor. Posting on his Truth Social network, on Tuesday, the President said: 'North Sea Oil is a treasure chest for the United Kingdom. The taxes are so high, however, that it makes no sense. They have essentially told drillers and oil companies that, 'we don't want you'. 'Incentivize the drillers, fast. A vast fortune to be made for the UK, and far lower energy costs for the people!' Trump will visit the UK again in September for an unprecedented second state visit. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
