THE Scottish Government has announced that £180,000 will be given to a golf tournament hosted at Trump International in Aberdeenshire this year.
First Minister John Swinney is to meet with the US President while he is in Scotland over the next four days.
Swinney said the funding will “further enhance Aberdeenshire’s reputation as a leading golfing destination”.
The Scottish Government are in “advanced negotiations” over the money, which is to go towards the 2025 Nexo Championship, previously the Scottish Championship, which will be held at Trump International this August.
Announcing the plans, 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.”
The US President is expected to travel to Trump International in Aberdeenshire on Monday.
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has hit out at the First Minister for the promise of public cash for President Trump’s golf resort.
He likened that to Swinney announcing he is “handing some pocket money to the school bully basically with £180,000 to support a golf tournament at the Menie estate”.
After Trump again criticised the “windmills” used in green energy project when he touched down in Scotland, Harvie said: “He’s attacking our renewables industry once again, one of the success stories of Scotland, and he is trying to attack and undermine it.
“That is after having trashed part of our natural environment on the Aberdeenshire coast to build his golf resort.”
The Green MSP spoke out as he joined hundreds of other anti-Trump protesters at a demonstration in the Scottish capital.
Trump flew into Prestwick Airport last night and has been pictured playing golf at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire on Saturday morning.
He is expected to meet with Swinney during his trip, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Earlier this month, Swinney said, it is in the interests of the country that he meets US President as he had an “obligation” to “protect and promote” Scotland.
He said there would be an opportunity during his meeting to discuss tariffs, Gaza and Ukraine.