Donald Trump’s appearance at the Scottish parliament to criticise the country’s wind power policy ended in chaotic scenes on the streets of Edinburgh, as supporters and opponents traded insults. The property tycoon accused his former ally, First Minister Alex Salmond, of deceiving him over his £750m golf resort investment in Aberdeenshire.
Emerging from the parliament, Trump was greeted by anti-wind activists and hostile protesters. Police formed a cordon around him as he attempted to shake hands with admirers. Chants of “there’s only one Donald Trump” were met with shouts of “you’re ruining lives” from a man who accused Trump of forcing residents off land near his golf course.
Trump had promised up to £10m to fund legal battles against a proposed offshore windfarm near his resort, which he described as “monstrous”. However, he later told reporters he was still “looking into” the laws of the country regarding such spending. The windfarm developer insists the turbines will be three miles from Trump’s clubhouse, not one mile as he claims.
During a committee hearing, SNP MSPs questioned Trump’s claims about public opposition to wind power, citing opinion polls showing 70% support for onshore windfarms. Trump responded with characteristic boasts, asserting that tourism was being damaged by inefficient, Chinese-built turbines.
