US President Donald Trump has been invited to meet King Charles in Scotland to discuss the possibility of an unprecedented second state visit to the UK. The invitation, delivered personally by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his trip to the White House, suggests a meeting at either Dumfries House or Balmoral Castle. If Trump accepts, it would mark his first visit to Scotland since 2023.
A Rare Offer from the British Monarch
Traditionally, US presidents serving a second term do not receive a full state visit. Instead, they are typically invited for a more modest meeting at Windsor Castle. However, King Charles appears to be breaking with convention by proposing a formal meeting in Scotland.
The letter from the King suggested Dumfries House, a property he has owned since 2007, or Balmoral Castle, a key royal residence in Aberdeenshire. The choice of location holds significance, as Trump has long-standing personal and business connections to Scotland.
After reading the letter, Trump expressed his appreciation, calling the offer an “honour.” His reaction was reportedly one of initial surprise, but he later stated that he was enthusiastic about the opportunity to visit Scotland again.
Scotland’s Political Landscape and Trump’s Business Interests
Trump’s relationship with Scotland is complex. The country’s First Minister, John Swinney, previously supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election but has since expressed a willingness to foster strong diplomatic and economic ties with the United States. Swinney has emphasized that his administration will work to maintain a constructive relationship with the US, despite past political differences.
Scotland’s whisky industry, a key economic driver, could play a role in discussions between Trump and UK officials. Tariffs on Scotch whisky exports have been a contentious issue, and Swinney has indicated that he may use Trump’s Scottish roots as leverage in negotiations.
Trump’s Scottish Ties: Golf, Controversy, and Business Deals
Trump’s Scottish heritage is well documented. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis before emigrating to New York. Trump has frequently referenced his family history as a point of pride.
His business interests in Scotland, however, have been far more controversial. Trump owns two golf courses in the country—Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. His development projects have faced opposition over environmental concerns and broken investment promises.
- Trump’s Menie golf course was built despite resistance from local residents and environmental groups.
- The course lost its special environmental status due to construction-related damage to sand dunes.
- The resort had accumulated losses of £13.3 million by March 2024.
- Promises of large-scale investments and job creation have not been fully realized.
Trump’s Turnberry course, which he acquired in 2014, has also faced financial challenges. While it remains a prestigious golf destination, its long-term profitability has been questioned.
Unfinished Promises and Lingering Criticism
Despite assurances of a major boost to Scotland’s economy, Trump’s business projects have struggled to deliver on their initial promises. The Menie estate, for instance, was expected to include:
| Proposed Development | Current Status |
|---|---|
| 450-room hotel | Not built |
| 950 holiday apartments | Not built |
| 36 golf villas | Not built |
| 500 houses | Not built |
| Employee count projection | 81 as of 2023 |
Local resistance has been a major hurdle for Trump’s projects. One of the most publicized incidents involved Scottish farmer Michael Forbes, who refused to sell his land to make way for Trump’s golf course. Trump famously described Forbes’ property as a “pig-like atmosphere,” sparking backlash.
Past Visits and Public Reactions
Trump’s previous visits to Scotland have rarely been quiet affairs. In 2016, he was met with protests, including a viral moment when comedian Janey Godley held up an offensive sign directed at him. Two years later, during a visit to Turnberry, a paraglider flew over the course carrying a banner that read: “Trump: Well Below Par.”
His last visit in 2023 was comparatively subdued. At the time, he described being in Scotland as “great to be home.” However, the financial struggles of his resorts and lingering tensions with Scottish politicians have kept his presence in the country a topic of debate.
What Comes Next?
With Trump’s acceptance of the King’s invitation, speculation will now focus on what a second state visit to the UK might look like. If the meeting goes ahead in Scotland, it could serve as a moment of diplomatic reconciliation—or further controversy, depending on how Trump’s Scottish ties and business dealings factor into the discussions.
Regardless of the political implications, the visit would mark an unusual chapter in both UK-US relations and Trump’s personal connection to Scotland.
