Obama tees off Scots trip with a round of golf

Fans disappointed not to catch a glimpse of the former president in Edinburgh– but still see him as an inspiring figure

Former US president Barack Obama waves to the crowds during a round of golf in St Andrews yesterday on his first trip to Scotland. He later spoke at a charity dinner in Edinburgh arranged by Sir Tom Hunter, during which he mentioned some of the most important things to him in life, including his mother – and dental floss

Former US president Barack Obama made sure he soaked up not only the sun but many of the country’s famed delights on his first trip to Scotland.

He tried his hand at the home of golf where he charmed delighted spectators, before being introduced to Scotland’s other national drink, Irn-bru.

And last night he had a crowd of business leaders and politicians transfixed as he spoke about some of the most important things in his life, including his mother – and dental floss.

Mr Obama gave people an insight into his life when he addressed a charity dinner at the EICC in aid of the Hunter Foundation, set up by philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, and the Obama Foundation, set up by the former US president and his wife Michelle.

Tickets for tables of ten went on sale from about £5,000 – with some tables paying more for the added extra of meeting the Democrat personally.

Dressed in a black tuxedo, Mr Obama spoke on a range of topics and described how “democracy was hard” and said “our way of life is a garden that needs to be nurtured”.

He also told the 1,000 guests his priorities were tackling terrorism and making new economies work for all as increased globalisation and new technologies make it harder got people to get decent wages.

And he said he finding new clean energy and tackling climate change could not be ignored.

And, in what could be a stab at his successor, he said fake news was now an issue that had to be watched and that “too many people base facts on their opinions, rather than basing their opinion on facts”.

And the room erupted in laughter when he vowed to return to Scotland so he can have “the full rainy experience” and later said he never gets too up or too down “because he’s from Hawaii”.

He told how he believed “wisdom comes from unlikely places” and for everyone “there is someone in your life who grounds you, and for me that was my mother”.

And Mr Obama, who spent eight years in the white house, shared a proud moment when he revealed to the audience that his greatest achievement was raising his two daughters to become “fine people”.

Asked what his best piece of advice was, Mr Obama, who is known for his perfect smile, replied: “Floss”.

All guests – which included singers, politicians, sportspeople and business figures – had been banned from using their mobile phones during the event and had been vetted almost a month in advance.

The recent Manchester attack had clearly led to heightened security as more than 40 uniformed police officers guarded all entrances and exits to the centre. And above flats across the road ,two very visible snipers watched over events while a police helicopter circled overhead.

Around 250 people lined the street outside in the hope of catching a glimpse of the global icon, who left them disappointed by venturing in through a back door away from public view.

One of the first to arrive at the venue was comic Kevin Bridges, who was performing. Asked if he was looking forward to seeing Mr Obama he said: “I’m excited, aye, should be good.”

Annie Lennox and Scots rockers Texas, who were also performing, also avoided the front door, as did Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale and Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop were among the attendees, along with Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie, ex-scottish rugby player Scott Hastings, businessman Sir Ian Wood and Lord Wallace. He said: “It’s very special to have Mr Obama here in Edinburgh, in Scotland, in front of so many people.”

Glasgow schoolgirl Mila Stricevic, 13, who won a competition to read a poem at the event also attended.

Event organiser Sir Tom said: “This event is all about having an inspirational speaker and, with regards to fundraising, we’re hopefully going to help about 300 children’s charities.”

Up for auction were two walk-on parts in the next Fantastic Beasts film from the Harry Potter franchise and the naming rights to the Gleneagles Hotel American bar.

Obama fans who had travelled to the capital captured the mood of the visit when they said that even though they did not see the man, they were still huge admirers.

Stewart Kermack, 61, had travelled from Prestwick wearing a Barack Obama T-shirt his son had bought him on a trip to the US eight years ago.

He said: “I came especially to see Obama. I think he is a great guy and was a very charismatic leader. I have never worn this T-shirt before and was never going to. But when I heard he was coming I had to wear it. Am I sad not to see him? Yes. But he was here, in Scotland doing what he does best: inspiring. That’s enough for me.”