Callander shop offers olive branch to new president
nails or a shovel. And staff at the Main Street ironmongers even invited the 70-year-old and his wife Melania to their Christmas knees-up.
The Observer reported in January that Screw It, under previous owner Ronnie Kerr, had imposed a ban on The Donald — even hanging a sign saying ‘Trump, yer banned fae here’ in their window.
He said at the time that the star of The Apprentice USA would be “flung out on his backside” if he ever made a daring attempt to gain entry to the shop.
However, new owner Muhammad Farhan confirmed that the store had softened their stance in the wake of the controversial figure’s surprise election win on Wednesday morning.
Screw It employee Dougie Allan, 75, said: “He can’t be as bad as he sounds, surely. In the spirit of improving international relations between Callander and Washington DC, we’d like to extend the hand of friendship.
“We would even like to invite Mr Trump and his wife to our Christmas party — even if we don’t have one planned yet. We don’t think it’s a good idea to be banning anyone from the shop because of their politics.”
Fellow traders on Callander’s Main Street shared a similar outlook, saying that Trump, who is set to become one of the most powerful people in the world, would be welcome to pop in if he’s ever visiting the area.
Rodger Drapper, owner at James Bayne Fishing Tackle, said: “Mr Trump would be welcome here. We would never turn anyone away based on their political views. I don’t think that’s right.
“I don’t think I would welcome him round for dinner but I would certainly sell him a rod.”
George Johnson, owner at The Fudge Shop and other stores in the village, confirmed that the future President would be welcome if he was ever in the area and fancied a sweet treat.
He said: “We welcome anyone into our shops. He’s more than welcome. I don’t agree with his politics but I wouldn’t refuse his business.
“We have every right to disagree with him but I disagree with people being barred from shops because of their beliefs.”
Store manager Joan Mathers added: “We would serve anybody in here, so he is more than welcome to come in.”
Evie Cameron, who works in nearby the Lady Kentmore’s Antiques, was in agreement with her fellow traders.
She said: “If he’s got the money, which I think he certainly has, we