Major blow for Donald Trump as losses at his Scottish golf course hit £14million

Losses at one of Donald Trump’s Scottish golf courses have now topped £14million since it opened.

Accounts for the former US President’s links resort in Aberdeenshire showed it swung more than £1.4million into the red last year, nearly double the loss of £738,000 in 2022. The big increase was blamed on higher costs. The multi-million pound Trump International was opened by Mr Trump in 2012.

The tycoon, now vying to become US President again in next month’s elections, marked the opening at the time by teeing off with former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. However, the development proved controversial, with environmental campaigners opposed to the construction of a course on protected sand dunes.

As well as an 18-hole course, the resort also includes a five-star luxury resort, restaurant and lodges. It played host to the PGA Seniors Championship in August this year, with Peter Baker winning the tournament. Documents filed at Companies House for Trump International Club Scotland Ltd showed its turnover last year rose from just under £3.6million to more than £3.7million. But its “administrative expenses” increased by around £500,000 to just over £2million.

According to the accounts, last year saw a “sizeable increase in tournament and marketing expenditures”, but which the company said should boost revenues going forward. It also saw an “abnormal increase in energy costs.” Last year’s losses took the amount it has lost since opening in 2012 to £14million. These ongoing losses meant the business once again did not pay any UK corporation tax.

The accounts show the company has a loan of £40.6million owed to 78-year-old , which has a rolling repayment term, The ex-President’s son Eric, 40, is named as one of the holding company’s directors. Another of his sons, Donald Trump Junior, 46, is the other.

Mr Trump’s other Scottish golfing businesses fared better. Golf Recreation Scotland, which operates Trump Turnberry, made a £3.8million profit last year. It comes as Mr Trump has reportedly been warned off playing golf after surviving two assassination attempts on his life ahead of next month’s elections.

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