Costs incurred for visit to Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire: FOI release

Information requested

“I am writing to request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 that the Scottish Government

1. Disclose all information it holds detailing costs incurred by the council, or estimated costs incurred by the council, as a result of the visit to Scotland by the US president Donald Trump between July 25 2025 and July 29 2025.
2. The disclosure should specify costs incurred by First Minister John Swinney and other government staff during their engagements with Mr Trump over the course of the visit, including travel, accommodation and subsistence during the first minister's visit to both Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire.
3. The disclosure should also specify whether any goods or services were purchased via the Trump Organisation's private firms in Scotland - including but not limited to Golf Recreation Scotland Limited, SLC Turnberry Limited, Trump International Golf Club Scotland, and the Trump Organisation.”

Response

Question 1:

This is a formal notice under Section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested.  While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because local authorities are independent corporate bodies with their own powers and responsibilities.

Therefore you may wish to approach the local authorities directly who will have the information you are seeking. You can contact South Ayrshire Council online here and Aberdeenshire Council by emailing foi@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Question 2:

At the time of your request the total cost, including travel, accommodation and subsistence for the First Minister and SG officials during the visit was £730.

Question 3:

Trump International Golf Club Scotland procured hotel rooms for attendees at an event at Trump international Scotland in Aberdeenshire. The organisation was reimbursed by the Scottish Government for rooms allocated to the First Minster and SG officials.
These costs are included in the amount indicated in Question 2.

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