As President Donald Trump touched down in Scotland for a whirlwind visit, his spotlight quickly turned to Aberdeen — a city he proudly called “the oil capital of Europe.” With diplomatic meetings, business unveilings, and energy talks all converging in the granite-clad city, Aberdeen found itself back in the global gaze.
Trump Puts Aberdeen on the Map
Speaking to reporters shortly after landing, Trump declared, “We’re going to Aberdeen — which is actually the oil capital of Europe.” The former fishing town turned energy powerhouse has long been a strategic hub for North Sea oil and gas, its offshore reserves playing a critical role in Europe’s energy security since the 1970s.
The trip marks Trump’s latest return to Scotland, where he’s scheduled to attend a ribbon-cutting at a newly completed golf course at his Trump International Golf Links estate. But this time, golf is only part of the itinerary.
High-Profile Meetings on North Sea Turf
While in Aberdeen, Trump will hold private talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Sources say the discussions will touch on transatlantic trade, energy resilience, and regional investment — all issues closely tied to Aberdeen’s identity as a fossil fuel hub now pivoting toward renewables.
It’s no coincidence these meetings are being held in a city synonymous with energy. With recent volatility in global fuel markets and a shifting geopolitical landscape, North Sea oil is once again in the spotlight.
A City Built on Black Gold
Aberdeen earned its “Granite City” nickname from the silvery-grey stone used to build much of its historic architecture. But its economic reputation was cemented in 1970 when BP discovered oil in the Forties Field — an offshore reserve more than 100 miles out to sea.
That single discovery changed everything. By the late 1970s, the Forties Field was pumping out over half a million barrels of oil per day, making it one of the most productive fields in the North Sea. The city became a magnet for global oil majors, attracting investment, infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce.
Today, while traditional oil and gas extraction remains crucial, Aberdeen is also becoming a hub for renewable energy — including offshore wind and hydrogen technologies.
“They have so much oil there,” Trump said during a BBC phone interview. “It’s really a powerhouse — and we’re going to see what we can do to help that.”
The Future of Aberdeen in a Green Economy
The Trump visit comes at a time of flux for Aberdeen. While still heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, the city is working to reinvent itself as a centre for sustainable energy. The Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) near the Aberdeen South Harbour is poised to attract billions in green investment, while projects like the Acorn carbon capture and storage facility aim to make Aberdeen a leader in low-carbon innovation.
Trump, who has championed American energy exports and made energy security a key plank of his foreign policy, is expected to use his time in Aberdeen to push for increased cooperation on liquified natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel exports to Europe — in line with the recently signed EU-US trade deal.
Political Theatre on Scottish Soil
Beyond the business and diplomacy, the visit carries political weight. Trump’s appearances in Scotland are closely watched, particularly amid his push to showcase economic wins on the global stage. His meetings in Aberdeen — a city symbolic of transatlantic energy ties — allow him to tout progress on trade, jobs, and investment.
Meanwhile, Scottish leaders are also seizing the moment. First Minister John Swinney, while not formally meeting with the US President, said in a statement that Aberdeen’s visibility “on the international stage reflects Scotland’s enduring importance in the global energy landscape.”
A City in Transition
As supply vessels fill Aberdeen Harbour and drilling rigs dot the distant horizon, the Granite City continues to straddle two worlds: the fossil-fuel-powered past and a greener, more sustainable future. Trump’s visit — and his praise for the region’s oil riches — may draw cheers from some quarters, and sharp critiques from others advocating for faster climate action.
Still, for now, Aberdeen’s role as Europe’s energy capital remains firmly intact.
