The Scottish Government recently backed support for Glasgow Prestwick Airport from Donald Trump’s business in Scotland as they attempted to woo Scandinavian carriers.
The Airport, which is wholly owned by the Scottish Government, recently sent a working party to Denmark which included representatives from Trump Turnberry in an attempt to attract an airline, rumoured to be Primera Air, and help return the airport to profit.
Trump Turnberry is still under direct control of Donald Trump, a figure who has been staunchly criticized by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who stripped him of his Global Scot ambassador status. Despite this, the Scottish government was fully aware of the Trump company being involved in the working party.
The revelation has sparked criticism of Nicola Sturgeons government and its apparent hypocrisy between its public values and its business affairs.
The Scottish Government is preparing to sell Prestwick Airport which has been operating at a loss of around £9m per year, with over £30m of tax-payers money having been invested to keep the airport operating.
The revelations regarding its association with Donald Trump is likely to leave a sour taste in the mouth of those taxpayers who supported Nicolas Sturgeons public stance on Trump.
Co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, Patrick Harvie said: “It’s disappointing that his business is influencing a government-owned asset. It suggests operating at arms-length isn’t enough and I would hope Prestwick realises that Trump’s toxic brand does real damage to Scotland’s reputation.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “In compliance with European Union state aid rules, Prestwick is being operated on a commercial basis and at arm’s length from the government.
“The senior management team at the airport has been tasked with all aspects of taking the airport forward, including building on existing revenue streams.”
