Swinney announces £180,000 of public money for golf contest at Trump International
The First Minister is due to meet the US President early next week
John Swinney has been branded “cynical” after announcing £180,000 of public money for a golf tournament at Trump International in Aberdeenshire just days before his meeting with the US President.
The First Minister said the funding will “further enhance Aberdeenshire’s reputation as a leading golfing destination”, but critics compared it to “offering up pocket money to the school bully”.
The 2025 Nexo Championship - previously the Scottish Championship - on the DP World Tour is to be held at Trump International this August. The Scottish Government said advanced negotiations are underway to ensure the money from VisitScotland will support delivery of the event.
It said the tournament will bring opportunities to grow Scotland’s golf tourism market and extend the length of the tourism season in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Scotland is widely recognised as the “home of golf” and golf tourism is estimated to bring in £300 million of economic value per year.
The US President flew into Prestwick on Friday evening and was pictured on Saturday playing golf at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire. He is due to meet Mr Swinney, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen during his private five-day visit to Scotland.
The President is expected to travel to Trump International in Aberdeenshire on Monday, where he will be opening a new course.
Mr Swinney said: “I welcome the Nexo Championship being held at the Trump International Golf Links this August.
“Scotland has long been recognised as a world-class host of major events. Golf and golf events are a key part of our national identity, supporting communities, driving economic growth, contributing to environmental sustainability across the country and promoting Scotland through global profile.
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.
“As the home of golf, we have a long-standing track record of support and I am proud this funding will further enhance Aberdeenshire’s reputation as a leading golfing destination and I am hopeful of securing further golfing events in future years.”
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “John Swinney’s disgracefully condemned President Trump’s State Visit, and then talked up protests while claiming to welcome him to Scotland.
“Now he’s announced that his government is giving money to a golf course owned by the President during the course of his trip here. That rare support for tourism from the SNP is welcome, but many will see it as a hypocritical and cynical sweetener.
“The First Minister must start acting like a grown-up in his dealings with the President, and advance Scotland’s interests rather than trying to appease the childish hostility of his own supporters.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie compared the funding to “offering up pocket money to the school bully”, adding: “Scotland should be ashamed of this.”
His party colleague Ross Greer, an MSP for the West Scotland region, said: “The Scottish Government is offering tribute, kissing the ring and letting Trump shake them down. Embarrassing and a waste of public money.”
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