US President-elect Donald Trump will visit Scotland next year for the opening of his family's new golf course in Aberdeenshire, his son has confirmed.
Eric Trump jetted in to a snowy Scotland yesterday to check-in on progress at The New Course under construction at Trump International Scotland, near Balmedie.
In a round of media interviews, Eric said his father, who has just won a historic victory in the US election, will “most certainly be here for the opening of the second course”.
The new course - named after Trump's Lewis-born mother, Mary - will feature the largest sand dunes in Scotland and form “the greatest 36 holes in golf” alongside the original course, completed in 2012.
It is expected to open next summer. If the visit goes ahead, it could be the first time Donald Trump travels to Scotland since his victory in the US election.
Speaking to the PA news agency yesterday, Eric said his family's "love" for Scotland kept them investing in the country.
He said the Scottish Government had made it "virtually impossible" to do business, saying "It takes very long to get permits, there are a lot of regulations, a lot of red tape, insane taxation, government leaders who just take pot shots at you for no reason whatsoever".
The businessman, Donald Trump's third child, said he had meticulously designed the refurbishment of the resort, including investing hundreds of millions of dollars into it, adding: "And I've never really gotten so much as a thank you."
He also said it was "nasty" for First Minister John Swinney to endorse Kamala Harris, but that his father "is not going to lose any sleep" over the remarks.
Swinney sent a letter to Trump after his victory saying he wanted both countries to have a good relationship and wished him well.
Eric Trump also suggested Swinney's original remarks could affect Scotland's ability to negotiate on tariffs, adding: "My father adores Scotland, and you have a First Minister coming out and just being fairly nasty in the days leading up.
"I mean, who did that benefit? Did that benefit Scotland?
"You know, you just asked about tariffs? Does that benefit that? If he ever needs to call my father and ask about tariffs or negotiate a base, does that benefit Scotland?"
A Scottish Government spokesperson told the BBC: "The USA is Scotland’s most important market and source of inward investment. The Scottish government greatly appreciates the strong and lasting social, cultural and economic ties we have with the United States.
"The first minister and his ministers will work to make sure these ties continue to flourish, consistent with the values that underpin Scotland and the United States."