OBAMA POPS IN FOR TEE AND A CHARITY CHINWAG
Ex-president set for speech at fundraiser.. and a round or two of golf
BARACK Obama is expected to hit the golf course when he makes his first trip to Scotland next month.
The former US president will address business leaders in Edinburgh in one of his first public speaking engagements since leaving the White House.
The Democrat, who served two terms as president, will answer questions from the audience at the charity event.
It’s understood Obama plans to check out some of the country’s famous courses. He is golf-mad and famously played 306 rounds during his eight years as president.
The visit is a coup for organisers the Hunter Foundation, who were set up by businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.
Tickets for a table of 10 at the dinner are expected to go on sale for about £5000.
All of the cash raised will be split between children’s charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation, his charity with wife Michelle.
Hunter also plans to set aside seats at the event for local young people and will run a competition for a secondary school to win a table. He said: “The story of his journey from the south side of Chicago to the White House has been inspirational and I am keen to hear what he has planned for the post-presidency. “We are over the moon to be hosting the 44th president
of the United States in Scotland at this event.”
Hunter has previously arranged for US politicians and actors including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney to come to Scotland.
Last year, DiCaprio travelled to Edinburgh to speak at the Scottish Business Awards at the EICC.
He also visited Home, a restaurant in Queensferry Street, who give profits to the homeless. The previous year, George Clooney visited Social Bite in Rose Street – but Hunter said Obama was the biggest name to date.
“I think I am going to retire after this one,” he joked. “We’re always looking for really inspiring speakers to come to Scotland and really inspire and inform.”
Asked about Obama’s golf plans, Hunter said: “I’m not a golfer myself but if he wants a game he certainly couldn’t come to a better place.”
The entrepreneur-turned philanthropist is planning a special surprise for Obama. He said: “President Obama loves his music, so we’re getting some interesting guests.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I know everybody in Scotland will be really excited to hear Obama is visiting Edinburgh and really looking forward to what he has to say.
“It’s great for boosting Scotland’s profile in the world.
“I’m sure Obama will have words that many people in Scotland and across the world will want to hear.”