Trump discusses Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire golf courses with First Minister
Eric, one of Donald's sons, met John Swinney at Bute House earlier
Scotland's First Minister has held talks with one of US President Donald Trump's sons - with discussions focused on business rather than politics.
Eric Trump, the executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, said John Swinney thanked him for the firm's "colossal investment and commitment to Scotland".
The talks took place in Bute House, the First Minister's official residence in Edinburgh, and marked the first meeting between the two.
Prior to the 2024 US Election, Mr Swinney had endorsed Donald Trump’s rival, Democrat Kamala Harris.
Despite this, Eric Trump said it had been a "very warm and friendly meeting”.
He added: "The First Minister thanked me for the Trump Organisation's ongoing colossal investment and commitment to Scotland.
"This is the first time that I've heard those words from the First Minister, and they were hugely appreciated.
"Our discussions focused solely on the Trump Organisation's commitment to creating in Trump Turnberry and Trump International in Aberdeenshire two of the most iconic golf destinations in the world.
"We did not discuss Scottish or US politics but concentrated on golf.
"It was a very positive and constructive meeting about business and investment."
"Scotland's investment potential" discussed
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The First Minister welcomed Eric Trump, executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, to Bute House to discuss the contribution Trump International provides to Scotland's economy.
"The First Minister regularly meets with business people regarding investment in Scotland.
"The meeting with Mr Trump provided an opportunity to discuss Scotland's investment potential and the First Minister was pleased to hear about the company's continued commitment to Scotland, in particular Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire."
However, the Scottish Greens criticised the First Minister for the "totally inappropriate" talks.
Party co-leader Lorna Slater said the meeting was a "bad call that sends a terrible message", adding: "When it comes to the Trumps, the line between business and politics has always been blurred."
She went on to claim Eric Trump is "not a normal businessman", branding him a "right-wing extremist that has peddled misinformation and conspiracy theories".
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