News Summary
As former U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a four-day visit to Balmedie, Scotland, local residents express skepticism regarding his presence. Many feel betrayed by unmet promises and negative impacts of his golf resort. The visit is expected to lead to protests, reflecting ongoing community opposition fueled by past land disputes and environmental concerns. Despite some acknowledging aesthetic improvements, the majority remain critical of Trump’s business practices and the perceived lack of economic benefits for the area.
Balmedie, Scotland – Critical Residents Prepare for Visit by Donald Trump
Local residents in Balmedie, Scotland, remain skeptical and displeased as former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit the area for a four-day trip starting on July 25, 2025. During his visit, Trump will tour his golf resorts at Turnberry and Balmedie, and is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 28 to discuss a recent U.S.-U.K. trade deal.
Community Opposition and Land Disputes
Many residents, including local retired quarry worker Michael Forbes, continue to voice opposition to Trump’s presence and his business practices in the region. Forbes, a long-time landholder and vocal critic, states that Trump has been a poor neighbor and asserts that “This place will never, ever belong to Trump.” More than 20 years of efforts by Trump to acquire land from local families have fostered resentment. These families accuse him of bullying tactics—claims that Trump has consistently denied.
Unfulfilled Promises and Financial Losses
Residents highlight that Trump’s golf resort has not met its initial promises of significant economic development and job creation. Trump initially pledged to invest $1.5 billion into the project; however, only approximately $120 million has been spent. Despite assurances of 1,000 permanent jobs and many temporary construction roles, only 84 jobs have been created to date.
The development has included plans for a 450-room luxury hotel and hundreds of homes, but only a 19-room boutique hotel and a modest clubhouse have materialized. The golf course itself has faced ongoing financial difficulties, recording a loss of $1.9 million in 2023, marking its 11th consecutive year of losses since Trump acquired the land in 2006.
Current Operations and Local Observations
Local reports indicate that the golf course is often underused, with fairways appearing less than half full, even during peak summer months. Despite financial issues, some community members acknowledge that Trump’s development efforts have visually improved the landscape, transforming dunes into a golf course and changing the area’s aesthetic. Nevertheless, public opinion remains largely negative, with recent surveys showing that 70% of Scots harbor an unfavorable opinion of Trump. This disapproval rate is higher than in other parts of the UK.
New Developments and Protests
Trump plans to inaugurate a new 18-hole course at Balmedie, dedicated to his mother. His visit has already triggered expectations of protests, coordinated by groups such as the Stop Trump Coalition. Historically, Trump’s visits have been associated with demonstrations, reflecting tensions stemming from his business activities and political stances.
Historical Tensions and Ongoing Disputes
The relationship between Trump and local residents has been fraught for years. Disputes include claims that Trump’s construction and land negotiations have involved aggressive tactics, such as a sabotage incident on Forbes’ water pipe, which left his family without potable water for five years. Additionally, residents like David Milne have refused offers from Trump to buy their properties, citing low offers and adverse alterations to their properties’ views.
Environmental and Legal Challenges
Since the golf course’s opening in 2012, critics have expressed concerns over environmental degradation. The dunes where the course is situated lost their status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2020, as reported by Nature Scot. Trump has also faced legal disputes over a nearby wind farm project, which he publicly opposed.
Community Perspectives and Future Outlook
The local community remains divided over Trump’s impact, with many lamenting the unmet promises and environmental damages. Former local officials have expressed regret over their past support, acknowledging the negative consequences of the project. As the visit approaches, protests and demonstrations are expected to continue, underscoring the ongoing tension between Trump’s commercial ambitions and community interests in Balmedie.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Trump’s Scotland Golf Resort
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- CBS News: Trump’s Scotland Golf Course
- Google Search: Trump golf course Scotland
- The New York Times: Trump Visit to Scotland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trade Agreement
- The Washington Post: Trump and Starmer in Scotland
- Google News: Trump visit Scotland
- Press Democrat: Trump’s Trip to Scotland
- Google Scholar: Trump golf course Scotland
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