Donald Trump’s ties to Scotland are both personal and professional, intertwining family heritage with high-profile business ventures. From his maternal roots in the Isle of Lewis to his controversial investments in Aberdeenshire, Trump’s connection to the Scottish Highlands runs deep. As he plans another visit to Scotland, the relationship between the former U.S. president and the country continues to attract both admiration and opposition.
Family Heritage in the Isle of Lewis
Donald Trump’s Scottish roots trace back to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born in Tong, a small village on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Born in 1912, she was the youngest of ten children in a Gaelic-speaking household. The island’s deep cultural ties to Scotland’s Gaelic heritage shaped her early life before she emigrated to the United States in 1930.
Trump’s maternal lineage remains well-established in the village, with his grandmother, Mary Smith, born in 1867 to Donald and Mary Smith, anchoring the family’s long-standing ties to the region. Mary Anne moved to America at 18, where she initially worked as a domestic servant before meeting Fred Trump, Donald Trump’s father, whom she married in 1936.
During a 2019 interview, Trump spoke fondly of his mother’s homeland, noting, “I have a mother born in Scotland. And as you know, Stornoway is serious Scotland. You don’t get any more serious than that.” His brief visit to Stornoway in 2008, marking only his second trip to the village, left a mixed legacy in local memory. Trump described his visit as “comfortable” and stated, “I think I do feel Scottish.” However, after spending just 97 seconds inside the house where his mother once lived, he left and has not returned since.
Business Ventures: Trump’s Scottish Golf Courses
While his family ties are an integral part of his connection to Scotland, it’s Trump’s business ventures that have made the most tangible impact on the country, particularly in Aberdeenshire. Trump’s investment in Scotland began in 2006 when he purchased the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. His goal was to transform the property into a world-renowned golfing destination, eventually hosting prestigious events like The Open Championship.
Despite the vision of a high-end resort, the development faced stiff opposition from local communities who were concerned about the environmental impact, particularly the preservation of a 4,000-year-old sand dune site. Nevertheless, Trump pushed forward with his plans, turning the site into a luxury golf course and hotel, now a central part of his global brand.
Trump’s influence in Scotland through his golf courses remains a point of contention. His properties have been met with mixed reactions, with some locals praising the job opportunities and economic benefits the developments have brought to the area. Others, however, remain critical of his environmental impact and the political controversies surrounding his business practices.
A Return to Scotland?
Donald Trump’s relationship with Scotland has largely been defined by his business pursuits and the public scrutiny that accompanies his high-profile ventures. But his ties to the country may soon be further cemented as Trump is planning another visit. This time, it may be under more formal circumstances, potentially as part of a second state visit to the United Kingdom or simply to oversee developments at his golf courses.
In addition to his existing properties, Trump is set to unveil a new golf course in Aberdeenshire in September 2025. While the former president’s visits to Scotland have been sparse in recent years, his business interests continue to keep him tethered to the region, with many speculating that his return could signal a new chapter in his engagement with the Scottish economy.
Local and Political Reactions
Trump’s legacy in Scotland is not without controversy. His previous visit in 2013 was marked by protests, and his public persona remains divisive. While some local politicians and business figures continue to support his developments, others question the environmental and social costs of his projects.
**Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not commented on Trump’s return, but her government’s green energy initiatives could present a stark contrast to Trump’s high-profile developments, especially given the environmental opposition his golf courses have faced.
