Official partnership that never was: a history of Trump and Prestwick

2013 – November –The Scottish Government takes over Glasgow Prestwick Airport for £1. 2014 – April – Donald Trump buys Turnberry from Dubaibased Leisurecorp for £34m June – Mr Trump vows to spend £100m to make Turnberry “the finest resort of its kind anywhere in the world.” July – Ryanair announces it is moving several of its Prestwick routes to Glasgow Airport. November – Mr Trump attends a joint press conference at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, billed by both parties as an “official partnership” and a “strategic alliance” between the two. Mr Trump signals that £250m will be spent at Turnberry. 2015 – September – Iain Cochrane, Prestwick’s CEO, leaves as part of a management shake-up. 2016 – February – Documents released under Freedom of Information legislation show officials at Prestwick and Mr Trump’s executives explored working together to “win” business and integrate operations. The airport claims it has no official partnership with Mr Trump. October – Mr Trump’s representatives claim £150m has been invested at Turnberry. 2017 – January –Mr Trump hands over control of Turnberry to his sons following his victory in the US election. The resort remains under his ultimate ownership. October – Accounts show Mr Trump has provided Turnberry with interest-free loans totalling £112m since his buyout of the resort. October – Ron Smith, Prestwick’s CEO, leaves the company. November – Reports indicate a potential buyer has been found for Prestwick.