Stephen Flynn says he would rather 'wash his hair' than meet Donald Trump when President visits Scotland
The leader of the SNP at Westminster has quipped he would find "any excuse possible" to avoid meeting Donald Trump when the US President arrives in Scotland later this week.
Stephen Flynn joked today he would be "busy getting a haircut, or washing my hair" when the Republican leader arrives in Aberdeenshire to open a new golf course at his Menie Estate.
Trump is expected to meet separately with John Swinney and Keir Starmer in the Granite City during his Scottish trip, before the President spends time at his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire.
Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, confirmed today he would not be meeting the New Yorker when he arrives north of the Border.
He told the BBC: "It's absolutely right that John does meet him, as the First Minister of Scotland. We've got one of the most senior politicians on the planet coming to Aberdeen. So it's absolutely right John meets him in a respectful fashion.
"I don't think the UK should be rolling out the red carpet later on this year. I'll not be meeting the President, I'll be busy getting a haircut, or washing my hair, or finding any excuse possible to make sure that I'm looking after my own toddler at the time time."
Swinney said last week his forthcoming meeting with Trump presents an "opportunity" for Scotland.
The First Minister said most Scots said most Scots would expect him "to engage, promote and pursue the interests of the country" when he speaks with the US President.
The Republican leader revealed he would meet with Keir Starmer in Aberdeen, which he described as the "oil capital of Europe". There is no date or venue confirmed for Trump's meeting with Swinney but the Record understands it is likely to be the Granite City.
Swinney said: "I think most people would expect their First Minister to meet with the President of the United States. It's an opportunity for me to set out the issues that concern people in Scotland, and also issues we might want to make some headway with."
The First Minister continued: "I understand there will be people who don't agree that I should take forward this meeting. I understand where they're coming from. But I'm the First Minister, and I think members of the public would expect me to engage, promote and persue the interests of the country.
"I think it's important that where I have an opportunity to influence issues that will affect Scotland, I should take it."
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