WHILE protests against Donald Trump ramp up across Scotland, there is no shortage of supporters across the country.
In Ayrshire, though still divisive, he has won praise from golfers and local business people.
After he touched down at Prestwick airport the US President is spent yesterday playing golf at his luxury Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire.
Here he is viewed well locally, not just in terms of the money he spent in upgrading Turnberry, which he bought in 2014, but the use of local businesses and supplies in the works undertaken.
Graeme McKinstry, president of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, said that the Trump Turnberry resort formed an important part of the Ayrshire tourism and employment scene.
“As a local business leader, I welcome the investment which has maintained the hotel and golf courses as a truly magnificent venue,” he said.
“Together they attract significant wealth, international exposure and employment to the area”.
The Turnberry course itself has not been as contentious as its precursor, Trump International Golf Links, which is located on formerly protected sand dunes at Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.
Byron Brown, who lives beside the first fairway of Turnberry’s Ailsa links, said he was an admirer of the tycoon-turned-politician.
The 70-year-old golf fan bought his property four years ago, around the time that Trump purchased the course, the clubhouse and the Turnberry hotel.
Brown, who is originally from Glasgow but worked for 25 years in California, told a national newspaper: “I think what he’s doing is good.
“Certainly he’s doing a better job than Hillary [Clinton] would’ve done. We could do with a politician like him in Britain. Round here he has done wonders.”
Drew Liquerman, the St Andrews-based chairman of Republican Overseas Scotland, said the President’s visit was important for fostering links between the US and the UK.
He said: “I think a very important reason for this trip, for the UK especially, is that as you’re leaving the EU, it’s important to remember you have a President and people in the US who don’t want a one-sided trade deal. They want a trade deal which will benefit both the UK and the US.
“We want to tie our militaries closer together, and build cultural relations. I’d like to see more Americans visit the UK on vacation, and more Brits coming to visit the US.
“There are a lot of people in the States who really identify with their Scottish heritage ... I think a lot of Americans will appreciate it.
He added: “It’s not about the man. I know Trump isn’t the most popular man in parts of the UK but he’s the leader of the free world and he’s coming to better both our countries.”
Dr Oliver Turner, lecturer in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, said Trump’s visit would be “generally good for Scotland’s profile in the US”.
“The UK as a whole is well regarded by Americans, and Trump always talks positively about his Scottish connections,” he said.
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