Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has approved £180,000 of public money for a golf tournament at Trump International in Aberdeenshire just days before he meets the US President.
The 2025 Nexo Championship – previously the Scottish Championship – on the DP World Tour is to be held next month.
Mr Swinney’s decision to invest in the US president’s course has prompted a backlash from opponents who accused him of cosying up to Mr Trump after previously criticising him. He endorsed his rival Kamala Harris before last year’s US election.
Concern about the funding extended to Mr Swinney’s own members. One SNP said she felt “uncomfortable” about it, while Alex Neil, the former SNP health secretary, added that it was “an outrageous waste of public money” to boost an event at the resort, particularly giving money to a billionaire when public services were being starved of cash.
The fiercest criticism came from the Scottish Greens whose co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This shames Scotland. It’s an embarrassing attempt to please a bully and shows the same craven attitude as Keir Starmer. We should be standing in solidarity with the people on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s regime.
“John Swinney had a choice to make. He could have stood up for the values of democracy and human rights. But instead he folded at the first test and used hundreds of thousands of pounds of our money to appease a far right billionaire fraudster.
“For people like Trump it will never be enough. There can be no appeasement. The more money and more power you hand him the worse it will get for those targeted by his authoritarian project.”
The Scottish Government said advanced negotiations are underway to ensure the money from VisitScotland will support delivery of this year’s event at the course owned by the president.
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. Golf is worth an estimated £300 million a year to the Scottish economy.
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.”
Protests took place in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with those taking part calling on Mr Trump take firmer action on Israel’s attacks on Gaza, a demand shared by the First Minister.
The president has been playing golf at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire as part of a weekend visit that will include opening his second course in Aberdeenshire and a meeting with Mr Swinney before he returns to the US.
Although initially billed as a private visit, Mr Trump is is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
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