Battle of the Barnets
Chic: I took on Trump and became his pal
As a politician, he once clashed with Donald Trump in an infamous ‘ Battle of| the Barnets’. But Chic Brodie insists the people of South Ayrshire have nothing to fear if the President pitches up this week. Mr Brodie stood by Trump’s side when the tycoon cut the ribbon on Turnberry’s new clubhouse in 2015. And the former SNP MSP said: “What he’s done for Turnberry can never be underestimated. I don’t agree with everything he says – but I will defend his right to say it.” Brodie and Trump first clashed during a heated Holyrood exchange in 2013 at the parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. Trump had been giving evidence to the panel, of which Brodie was a member, on potential windfarms near his Menie golf course in Aberdeen. Brodie rec a l l s : “I challenged him head on and it became known as the Battle of the Barnets. “To be fair, there was a mutual respect after that and we built up something of a relationship when he bought Turnberry. His investment in this area and its young people has been nothing short of superb.”