A golf course in Scotland where Trump has invested significantly.
Donald Trump is set to return to Scotland for a four-day visit, during which he will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Trump plans to inaugurate a new golf course at his Balmedie property, local residents remain skeptical, citing unfulfilled promises and poor business practices. Many express frustration over the minimal economic benefits and Trump’s contentious relationship with the community, highlighting ongoing protests and grievances regarding his developments.
Balmedie, Scotland – Donald Trump is set to return to Scotland for a four-day visit commencing July 25, 2025, during which he will spend time at his golf resorts in Turnberry and Balmedie. His itinerary includes a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 28 to discuss a recent U.S.-U.K. trade deal.
Despite the planned high-profile visit, many local residents of Balmedie remain critical of Trump’s business practices, particularly regarding his golf course development in the area. Michael Forbes, a long-time local resident and retired quarry worker, voices sentiments shared by many in the community, asserting that Trump has been a poor neighbor and his presence will not claim the land. A group of families, led by Forbes, has resisted Trump’s attempts to purchase their land for nearly two decades, suggesting that they have been subjected to aggressive tactics in these negotiations, claims that Trump has consistently denied.
Residents have expressed disappointment that the much-publicized benefits of Trump’s golf resort have not materialized. Trump originally promised to invest $1.5 billion into the resort project but has reportedly spent only about $120 million. Instead of the anticipated 1,000 permanent jobs and thousands of temporary construction positions, local reports indicate the project has generated only 84 jobs so far. The ambitious plans for the development, which included a 450-room luxury hotel and hundreds of residential homes, have seen only a boutique hotel with 19 rooms and a small clubhouse completed to date.
Financially, the golf course in Balmedie has faced significant challenges, losing $1.9 million in 2023 and marking its 11th straight year of financial loss since Trump acquired the land in 2006. Local residents describe the golf course as often underutilized, with fairways not filled to capacity even during the peak summer season.
While some community members acknowledge its aesthetic improvements, such as the transformation of the natural dunes into a golf course, larger sentiments toward Trump appear overwhelmingly negative. Recent surveys suggest that about 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable opinion of Trump, making him less popular in Scotland compared to other regions of the UK.
During his upcoming visit, Trump will also inaugurate a new 18-hole golf course at his Balmedie property, dedicated to his mother. However, this development is likely to be overshadowed by anticipated protests, especially from the Stop Trump Coalition, reflecting locals’ ongoing grievances regarding his business practices. Concerns about potential vandalism and adverse reactions are prevalent as Trump’s previous visits have historically been met with protests and criticism.
Historically, Trump’s interactions with the local community have been problematic. Some residents recount experiences that include attempts to acquire land that resulted in disputes, such as workers allegedly causing damage to Forbes’ property by sabotaging a water pipe. This incident reportedly left Forbes and his family without clean drinking water for five years. Another local resident, David Milne, had rejected Trump’s below-market offers for his property, criticizing the adverse changes these developments brought to his views.
Since the opening of the golf course in 2012, there has been significant local disillusionment regarding unfulfilled promises. Statements from former members of Aberdeen’s council have surfaced, expressing regret for previously supporting Trump’s project, highlighting concerns over environmental degradation. Notably, the natural dunes that once held the designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest lost that status in 2020, as reported by Nature Scot. Furthermore, Trump’s contentious objections to a nearby wind farm he opposed have only heightened his complicated relationship with local residents.
As Trump prepares for his visit, it remains evident that the sentiment within Balmedie is characterized by longstanding grievances against his business practices, creating a complex backdrop for his return.
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