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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Wilson

Trump family lead tributes to former SNP MSP following death of Chic Brodie

The family of Donald Trump have led tributes to former MSP Chic Brodie who passed away on Saturday.

Eric Trump, who heads up the Turnberry resort, hailed Mr Brodie as a "great man of the people" who "offered tremendous support" during their acquisition of the golf retreat.

Mr Brodie worked closely with the Trumps whilst MSP for South of Scotland to back their investment in South Ayrshire in 2014.

A $250 million renovation has since taken place at the Carrick resort which Brodie would hail as "vital for the local economy".

Speaking on behalf of the Trump Organisation, Mr Trump told the Ayrshire Post: "We are very saddened to hear of the loss of former MSP Chic Brodie and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

"Chic was a great man of the people who campaigned tirelessly for the constituents of Ayrshire and Scotland.

"His commitment to preserving Ayrshire’s heritage and job creation through local and international investments was unwavering.

"He offered tremendous support to our company throughout the acquisition and development of Turnberry, and will be greatly missed by us all."

Mr Brodie had infamously clashed with Donald Trump when the future United States President was giving evidence on wind farms to the Scottish Parliament in 2012.

In an exchange that was dubbed 'The Battle of the Barnets', the two had a verbal collision at Holyrood's economy, energy and tourism committee.

Mr Brodie would later say: "There was a mutual respect after that and we built up something of a relationship when he bought Turnberry. His investment in this area and its young people has been nothing short of superb."

Tributes have also poured in from across the political spectrum.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock's SNP MP, Allan Dorans, described Mr Brodie as "an engaging, flamboyant and charismatic individual".

He added: "He will be remembered fondly for his commitment and positive contribution to both national and local politics and his enduring passion and boundless enthusiasm for helping people."

And the Conservative leader of South Ayrshire Council, Martin Dowey, said: "Chic was a whirlwind of activity and endeavour, full of passion for his adopted home town and always helping the people of Ayr, haranguing elected politicians and pushing forward the interests of South Ayrshire.

"I will miss our monthly coffees where we would banter for hours about anything and everything from Donald Trump to the constitution and everything in between.

"We will not see his likes again."

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