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John Swinney raised 'concerns' with Donald Trump's son over vandalism attack at Turnberry
@Source: dailyrecord.co.uk
John Swinney offered reassurances to Donald Trump's son after the family's Turnberry golf resort was attacked by vandals earlier this year. The First Minister shared his "concern" over the incident with Eric Trump when the pair met at Bute House in Edinburgh in March. The meeting took place the week after the five star Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire was vandalised by a pro-Palestinian group. Red paint was daubed over one of the buildings and the words "Gaza is not for sale" were sprayed across one green on the championship course. Police have since made several arrests in connection with the attack. The meeting between Swinney and Eric Trump was described by a Government spokesman at the time as providing "an opportunity to discuss Scotland's investment potential". But a freedom of information request has now shed more details on the discussion between the SNP leader and the US President's son. An official briefing note prepared for Swinney after the event details the subjects covered during the 50 minute meeting at Bute House. The note states: "You began by welcoming ET to Scotland, recognising the significant ongoing investment by Trump Org in Scotland’s economy – particularly our tourism and leisure sectors – and welcoming the opportunity to discuss future investment plans. You stressed the important role that inward investment played in transforming theScottish economy, and your commitment to an open dialogue with all major investors. "You noted with concern the recent incident at the Trump Turnberry property, condemning the damage caused by vandalism and offered reassurance that the relevant authorities would continue to take the incident seriously. "ET restated his family’s commitment to and passion for Scotland. He stressed thatthis commitment was long term. He narrated the journey he had been on since purchasing the Turnberry property and redeveloping it, and set out plans for the launch of the second course at Trump Aberdeen links later this year." A briefing paper prepared for the First Minister in advance of the meeting also highlighted the importance to the Trump family of the Open Championship returning to Turnberry in the future. The President has made no secret of his desire for the most prestigious tournament in golf to be hosted again in South Ayrshire. The briefing stated: "We are aware that President Trump and the Trump Organization are keen that Trump Turnberry returns to the rota and once again hosts The Open. They may also wish to host other R&A major championships, although The Open will be the key target as it is by far the most high-profile and prestigious event." But the paper stressed all hosting decisions for the Open was left to R&A Championships Ltd. It added: "The Scottish Government has a funding relationship with the R&A to support their events in Scotland, but all venue decisions are solely at the discretion of the R&A and the Scottish Government is informed of venue selection after the decision has been made. The Scottish Government is not involved in the decision-making process." The meeting between Swinney and Eric Trump came after the First Minister said he did not think it appropriate for the US President to be offered a second state visit to the UK. Donald Trump is now expected to make a short visit to Scotland later this month to play golf at his two Scottish resorts. He will return for a formal state visit in the Autumn. To sign up to the Daily R ecord Politics newsletter, click here
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