Donald Trump has unveiled a new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort, saying he will play a short round before returning to Washington to “solve global crises”.
The US leader played the New Course in Menie before an audience that included golfers, Scotland's First Minister and the Scottish Labour leader.
In his speech, the politician recalled the late James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery, who, according to him, supported the development of the resort and even tried to imitate the famous artist's voice.
Before the first shot at the new site, Trump said: “We started with a fantastic piece of land, but we've perfected it.
“The local community gave us a warm welcome. At first, if I recall, the attitude was reserved, but gradually the situation changed.
“We are truly valued here now, and we reciprocate.”
The politician stressed: “I’m looking forward to today’s game.
“After the quick round, I will head off to address international issues that require immediate attention.
“Just yesterday we managed to prevent one conflict – you know, we stopped military actions. We have already prevented about five clashes.
“It's incomparably more important than golf. Although the game is fun, the priorities are clear.”
During the ceremony, the president thanked his son Eric for his contribution to the 18-hole course, noting: “This is a historic moment.
“Initially we were told that zoning of the territory was impossible.
“But Sean Connery said, 'Let this man do his project.'
“Everything fell into place, which is what John (Sweeny) and I talked about yesterday.”
During the visit, Trump held a closed meeting with First Secretary Sweeney, where they discussed issues of Scotch whisky and the situation in Palestine.
The president is scheduled to return to the United States on Tuesday evening, ending his five-day visit to Scotland.
Construction work on the Meni site began last year with Trump and his son personally involved. The resort says the two courses are set to become “the best 36 holes in the world.”
Opponents point to the failure to deliver on promises to create jobs and the harm to the environment during construction.
The opening ceremony was accompanied by musical accompaniment, including hits Roxanne, Thriller and compositions by Elvis Presley.
During the visit, the president repeatedly visited his resort in Turnberry, where he carried out symbolic first strikes.
Trump previously expressed disagreement with Britain's tax policy on oil production, calling North Sea resources a “national treasure.”
On the final day of the visit, a press conference was held with the participation of Labour leader Keir Starmer, where trade relations and the Middle East crisis were discussed.
Earlier, a peaceful protest took place in the area of the resort with the participation of local residents who expressed disagreement with Trump's policies.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
