Donald Trump's Scottish golf resort, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, will no longer qualify for a controversial business rates relief scheme, following a change in the Scottish government's budget.
The Sunday Herald reported that Finance Secretary Derek Mackay introduced measures in February to assist hospitality businesses struggling with the first revaluation of rateable values since 2010. However, after it emerged that Trump Turnberry had received £109,530 in relief in 2017-18, Mackay faced pressure to reform the scheme.
In September, Mackay announced the transitional scheme would continue next year for all but the largest hospitality properties. Documents from the draft Scottish budget this month confirm it will only apply to properties with a rateable value up to £1.5 million. According to the Scottish Assessors Association, Trump Turnberry's rateable value is now £1,650,000, exceeding the threshold.
Trump purchased Turnberry in 2014 but stepped back from his business empire after becoming US president. His other Scottish golf course in Aberdeenshire did not qualify for relief as it is classified as a golf course rather than a hotel.
