Inside Donald Trump’s “beloved” Scotland castle

Real estate

by Mary K. Jacob

Donald Trump’s Scottish castle took center stage during his case in civil court in Manhattan this week.

New York State’s Attorney Kevin Wallace didn’t hold back when he questioned Trump about any construction projects in Aberdeen, Scotland between 2013 and 2014 — a period in which the value of his Highland properties skyrocketed.

“You haven’t built a hotel in Aberdeen?” inquired Wallace.

“Because I didn’t want to. I have a castle. At some point, I’ll go there and build, maybe,” Trump said.

“I’m not looking to build right now,” Trump continued with his trademark confidence. I’m doing other things at the moment. I just want to sit with her. It’s called investing.”

Prior to his presidential term, the former Commander-in-Chief invested millions in not one, but two “premium” Scottish golf courses: The Mini in Aberdeenshire and Turnberry in Ayrshire.

The lawsuit, filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses Trump of “substantially overstating the value” of undeveloped land and “improperly and materially inflating the value of the golf course” at the Aberdeenshire resort.

The lawsuit also alleges that the company provided “materially false and misleading reviews” for Turnberry Resort.

In response, Trump’s lawyer said: “Nothing wrongly occurred at all” and accused James of “unchecked abuse of power.”

Trump made a noteworthy visit this year to Turnberry, a property he bought in 2014 from a Dubai-based company, with big plans to pump $260 million into transforming it.

In 2006, Trump made his first move to power in Scotland by acquiring a 570-acre plot of land in Minnie, located on the North Sea coast, where he envisioned creating “the best golf course in the world.”

Two years later, the Scottish Government granted the Trump Organization planning permission for this Aberdeenshire resort, with Aberdeen Live estimating the cost at a whopping $1.3 billion.

Trump’s return to the UK this year was a long-awaited event – his first trip since 2019.

In May, he arrived at Aberdeen Airport, where he received a royal welcome worthy of a king. He was received by “two pipers, a red carpet, and a procession of 10 vehicles,” according to what the BBC reported.

“It’s great to be home; “This was my mother’s house,” he said. “My mother was a wonderful woman who loved Scotland. She came back here every year, and she loved the Queen. I love Scotland just as much.

To honor his mother, Trump announced plans for a second golf course on the Mini Estate in Balmedie at that time, which would be dedicated to her memory and “host many great tournaments” in the future.

A source told The Post that his properties in Scotland were among his “most beloved.”

Set amidst the Scottish countryside in the heart of the Trump Estate, the luxurious Trump MacLeod House & Lodge Castle in Aberdeenshire is a converted hotel.

Dating back to the 15th century, this former baronial mansion and hunting lodge offers 18 rooms and suites set in mature woodland.

Billed as a “golfers paradise,” it is located near the Trump International Golf Links course. But the real gem is the Clavis Whiskey Bar, which boasts an extensive selection of over 200 rare Scottish and international malts. After exploring the Aberdeenshire coast with its stunning beach dunes, relax by the lodge’s log fire.

This property has a rich history, secret staircases, period features and open log fires.

Surrounded by meadows, water bodies and sand dunes, guests have the opportunity to enjoy woodland walks, classic outdoor activities, chef dining and views of the northeast coast.

Within walking distance is the Championship Links Golf Course, designed by Dr Martin Hawtrey, as well as a 22-acre driving range and practice facilities.

In the latest update on the civil trial, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump took her stand on Wednesday.

The case has already been decided by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, a Democrat, who ruled even before the trial that Trump and the other defendants were responsible for the fraud. The trial is also being conducted without a jury.