News Summary
As Donald Trump prepares for a four-day visit to Scotland, residents of Balmedie express continued discontent over his business practices. The community has faced numerous grievances regarding Trump’s golf resort, including unfulfilled economic promises, environmental concerns, and aggressive land acquisition tactics. Trump’s low popularity in Scotland, compounded by planned demonstrations during his visit, reflects the strained relationship between him and local residents. With the inauguration of a new 18-hole course in the spotlight, community sentiment remains predominantly critical.
Balmedie, Scotland — Residents Remain Critical of Trump’s Business Practices Ahead of His Upcoming Visit
Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Scotland for a four-day trip beginning July 25, 2025, during which he will focus on his golf resorts located in Turnberry and Balmedie. The visit will include a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Balmedie on July 28, where discussions are expected to revolve around a recent trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Local Dissatisfaction and Resistance
For nearly two decades, residents of Balmedie have expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with Trump’s business endeavors and land acquisition efforts. Michael Forbes, a long-term resident and retired quarry worker, has openly criticized Trump, claiming that the golf resort has negatively affected the community. Forbes notably states that “This place will never, ever belong to Trump,” reflecting persistent local resistance to his business practices.
Forbes and several other families in the area have actively resisted Trump’s attempts to purchase their land. Reports indicate that Trump’s efforts have involved aggressive tactics, which residents allege include bullying and intimidation, although Trump has consistently denied such allegations.
Unmet Promises and Financial Performance
The development of the Trump golf resort has been heavily scrutinized due to unfulfilled promises and financial losses. Trump initially pledged to invest $1.5 billion into the project, but actual expenditure remains significantly lower at approximately $120 million. The project was also anticipated to generate around 1,000 permanent jobs along with numerous temporary positions during construction. However, only 84 jobs have been created to date, leading to accusations that the economic benefits promised to the community have not materialized.
The development features a 450-room luxury hotel and hundreds of residential properties, yet construction has been limited primarily to a small 19-room boutique hotel and a modest clubhouse. Financial records reveal that the golf course lost $1.9 million in 2023, marking its 11th consecutive loss since Trump acquired the land in 2006. Residents also report that, even during summer, the course’s fairways are less than half full, indicating low visitor turnout.
Environmental and Community Concerns
Environmental concerns have also accompanied local opposition. The dunes, which are a key feature of the local landscape, lost their status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2020, a move controversial among conservationists and community members alike. Critics argue that the golf course’s construction and operation have degraded local ecosystems.
Some residents acknowledge improvements to the area’s aesthetic, noting that Trump’s development transformed dunes into a golf course. Nonetheless, community sentiment remains largely negative, with many residents citing unmet promises and environmental degradation as reasons for their discontent.
Political and Social Reactions
Donald Trump’s presence in Scotland has historically been met with protests and criticism. Groups such as the Stop Trump Coalition are planning demonstrations during his upcoming visit, reflecting ongoing disapproval among local communities. There are also concerns about potential vandalism and hostile reactions linked to Trump’s business practices and political stances.
Relations between Trump and local residents have been strained for years. Past disputes include allegations that workers sabotaged a water pipe on Forbes’ property, leaving his family without clean drinking water for five years. Furthermore, Trump has been known to offer below-market prices for land purchases and has made negative comments about local properties and views, fueling tensions.
Legal and Environmental Disputes
Trump has been involved in legal challenges related to environmental and infrastructural issues. Notably, he opposed the construction of a nearby wind farm, citing environmental concerns, although courts have upheld its legality. The golf course’s location in Balmedie also involves legal disputes concerning land use and environmental protections. The dunes at Balmedie lost their protected status as an SSSI in 2020, raising concerns among conservation groups and residents.
Public Sentiment and Future Developments
Recent surveys indicate that 70% of Scots view Trump unfavorably, making him less popular in Scotland than in other parts of the UK. With the upcoming visit, opposition and protests are anticipated to continue. Trump plans to inaugurate a new 18-hole course at his Balmedie property, dedicated to his mother, which is expected to be a focal point during his stay.
Overall, the relations between Trump and the Balmedie community remain complex and contentious. The residents’ concerns center on unmet promises, environmental impacts, and the tactics used to acquire land, which continue to define local perceptions of his business ventures in the area.
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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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
