Turnberry turfed out
Travel guide axes Trump resort in protest at politics
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort has been dropped from a popular tourism guide in a deliberate dig at the commander in chief.
Scotland the Best author Peter Irvine has ditched the five-star hotel from inclusion in the next edition, due to appear in March.
It will be the first time since the guide was originally published in 1993 that the resort will not be featured.
Turnberry is a world-renowned luxury retreat dating back to 1906.
However, since buying it four years ago Mr Trump’s $200million (around £160million) renovation has received some harsh criticism.
The US tycoon took over the classic Open venue, which features three golf courses, for a cut-price £35.7million in 2014.
But his ownership has faced protests over his presidency and complaints about his decision to change many classic fixtures and fittings.
Mr Trump handed over the operation of his golf resort empire, which includes another course in Doonbeg in Co. Clare, Ireland, and one in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, to his sons Eric and Donald when he became president.
He went to Turnberry earlier this year following an official visit which cost the US government more than $50,000 (£38,000) for the brief two-day trip.
The visit itself was much criticised and protests took place in cities across the UK.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Irvine explained his decision to remove the resort from the next edition. He said: ‘I still think it’s a great hotel, a flagship for Scotland and for golf, but I can’t champion or recommend a place for which I have so many reservations.
‘I watch with increasing repulsion as his half-baked policies and contradictory pronouncements make the world a more divisive and dangerous place. He has used the office of presidency in the shameless commercial advancement of his hotel business.
‘While I understand that some local residents in both Aberdeenshire and South Ayrshire are grateful for any Trump effect, I don’t feel either of his two properties here are good for Scotland.’
Willie Macleod of trade body UK Hospitality said the move to drop Turnberry’s tourism potential based on politics did not sit well with him.
He added: ‘I fully respect Pete’s right to decide what is included in Scotland the Best, but my view is that we should not be politicising Scottish tourism.’
Turnberry was voted Best Hotel in Scotland in the Scottish Hotel Awards earlier this year. A spokesman for the award said establishments are not judged on their owners.
He added: ‘The awards only judge, review and award member hotels and their staff based on in-person visits to each property during the year.’
‘Make the world a more divisive place’