Zack Polanski has called for Donald Trump to be “kicked out” of his Scottish golf courses and for the sites to be placed into community ownership, in remarks that have sparked a political row.
The Green Party leader in England and Wales made the comments during a visit to Glasgow, where he was supporting Scottish Green candidates ahead of the upcoming Holyrood election, BBC News reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Polanski said: “It’s not for me to tell Scotland what to do either, but I’d really like to see Donald Trump kicked out of his golf courses.
“I don’t think you should be able to start illegal and unpopular wars and still have golf courses. I’d love to see those golf courses brought into community ownership.”
Polanski added that his comments reflected a personal view rather than official policy of either the Green Party of England and Wales or the Scottish Greens. He also questioned the UK’s relationship with the United States, stating that the idea of a “special relationship” with Trump “does not stand up to any scrutiny”.
Donald Trump owns two golf resorts in Scotland — Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire and Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. The Aberdeenshire development, located on the Menie Estate at Balmedie, includes two 18-hole courses. The Old Course opened in 2012, while the New Course was unveiled during Trump’s private visit to Scotland last summer.
Trump has previously said the Aberdeenshire course was built in memory of his mother, who was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis.
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In response to Polanski’s remarks, Trump International Scotland issued a strongly worded statement. Executive vice president Sarah Malone said: “The comments in relation to our golf courses in Scotland are frankly ludicrous and ignorant and made by a man who is an imbecile.”
Polanski later responded on social media, saying he had “thoughts” about individuals who choose to act as spokespeople for the former US president.
The exchange marks the latest political flashpoint involving Trump’s Scottish business interests, which have long attracted both support and criticism.
