Donald Trump has done more for us than the Scottish Government – Swinney & the SNP could learn a lot
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LOCALS living near Donald Trump's luxury golf resorts have hailed the US President - insisting he's doing more for the local economy than politicians here.
The support comes despite plans from trade unions and eco warriors to stage demos over his trip to Scotland.
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Donald Trump received praise from some locals near his golf courses
Credit: Reuters
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David Semple is a big fan of Trump
Credit: Les Gallagher
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Stephannie Campbell is not a fan of Trump's politics - but says he's had a positive economic impact within her community
Credit: Les Gallagher
David Semple, 71, runs three self-catering holiday lets in the village of Maidens, close to Turnberry in Ayrshire.
The grandad, of Alloway, said: 'I'm a big fan of Trump. There's not much to do around here and Donald employs several hundred people directly and indirectly through the hotel - caddies, caterers, hotel staff, transport, taxis, fencers, painters.
The list is endless. He's even invested in the infrastructure.
'There's nothing else for people around here. Donald Trump has done more for the local economy for the last ten years than the Scottish Government has in the last 15 years.'
And he reckons FM John Swinney and PM Kier Starmer could learn a thing or two from the president.
He said: 'Trump sticks to a plan. He started it and he's almost finished it. He's done exactly what he said he was going to do - it's on the tin.
'They should listen to him. He shoots from the hip, he talks the talk - he gets things done, quickly and efficiently.
'They would learn an awful lot from Donald Trump, even if they don't agree with him. They should look at his business model - it works.'
He condemned the attacks on the hotel by Palestine supporters earlier this year, which saw a delay in the reopening, adding: 'These mindless people who decided to attack Trump's ideals, didn't take into consideration the amount of money that was lost by local people - caddies, restauranteers, shop retailers.
"The impact to Trump personally, was zero.'
Police Scotland ramps up security for Donald Trump visit as officers unhappy with extra shift demands
Stephannie Campbell, a waitress at the nearby Balkenna Tea Room, is not a fan of Trump's presidency and his politics - but says he's had a positive economic impact within her community.
The 30-year-old, of Maidens, who previously worked at Turnberry as a chef, added: 'I think people in Scotland as a whole won't be welcoming him into Scotland with open arms, but those who are very local to here will be - and that's because most people work or have worked for him.
'As an employer, as a boss, he's excellent. I didn't leave because he came president - but personally, I would have a hard time going back to work there now.
'The hotel was kind of struggling a bit before he bought it, it wasn't financially viable, since then he brings an awful lot of business from America - people come here just for the Trump name.
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John Ingram reckons Trump is a genius
Credit: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
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Apprentice Matthew Florence things Trump will help put Aberdeen on the map
Credit: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
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Heather Chivas thinks help from Donald Trump should be a last resort
Credit: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
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Irena Townend thinks Aberdeen has always been a low priority for the Scottish Government
Credit: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
'We even get Americans coming into this wee cafe, who aren't necessarily visiting and staying at Turnberry, and they'll go into all the local shops in the area.
'If he hadn't have bought Turnberry and we lost it, it would've been devastating for the area so I think in that regard, you have to commend him.'
She said the locals depend on seasonal business, adding: 'We're a coastal village, we make a lot of our money on tourism.
'We have to make enough money within two months in summer to see us through the winter, so there needs to be a promotion there, and money put into these areas.
'People are even struggling to get social houses down here, so it means a lot of the work here is seasonal, making it not a very nice place to live in the winter.
'So this investment shouldn't be down to Trump - we need the Scottish Government to recognise that and support us.'
Debra Ellis, tea room manager, said: 'I never had a problem with the guy - until he attacked Iran.
'But political views aside, he's alright. I didn't meet him personally, but met his son Eric, who was really nice.
'I used to work at the hotel as a housekeeper and was treated well, staff get little perks - like discounts off food. The only reason I gave up the job was because it was hard work physically. Everyone there still speaks highly of him.'
The 60-year-old said the Trump name has brought much needed money to the local area.
She added: 'The footfall we get, and other businesses get from his name being on that hotel, has been positive. He's essentially financially propped up the area by creating loads of jobs.
'What he needs to do is ask John Swinney to drive more money into our community - we need more prospects and amenities for our youth.'
Lindsay Russell, manager of the Wildlings Hotel and Restaurant in nearby Maidens, added: 'I've got no problem with Trump. The amount of money he brings to this area is everything.'
Donald Trump's first Scots golf course is ten miles outside Aberdeen.
He vowed to build the 'best golf course in the world' when he bought the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire in 2006.
Kitchen manager Martin Lyon, 43, said: 'He's done more for us than the Scottish Government by miles.
'His golf course has created jobs and that puts money into the local economy.
He should tell Starmer and Swinney to put their own people first. Like he's done in the USA. I feel like a stranger in my own country.'
Engineer John Ingram, 50, said: 'Trump is a genius.
'He doesn't mess about.
'He has done a lot more for this area than anyone else. The council can't even fix the roads and he's built a big business.
'I'd be happy if he got Starmer and Swinney to resign."
Pensioner and great-granny Irena Townend, 86, said: 'Aberdeen has always been a low priority for the Scottish Government because of the oil.
'I don't see how any of what Trump has done here can be bad for us.
'He needs to tell the Prime Minister and First Minister to wise up. I worry about the mess that's going to be left for my great-grandkids."
Apprentice Matthew Florence, 18, said: 'Trump coming here is pretty cool.
'He's putting Aberdeen on the map and giving us a lot of recognition.'
But not everyone is a fan Heather Chivas, 68, said: 'Help from Trump is a last resort.
'I think he's the last person you want to have on charge of your country. He's going to cause a lot of problems when he's here.
'I don't know where the money is going to come from to pay for the whole operation.'
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