JOHN Swinney has said he would welcome president-elect Donald Trump to Scotland if he chooses to visit.
The First Minister's comment come after Scots criticised him for congratulating Trump on his win in the 2024 US election.
"Diplomacy is important, but this should have been worded better. I'm disappointed," one SNP member said.
Swinney previously endorsed Trump's opponent Kamala Harris, with Trump’s team claiming that the First Minister's comments were "appalling" and an “insult to the massive investment in Scotland made by the Trump family”.
Now, Swinney has said he would "of course welcome" Trump to Scotland.
He made the comments during a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.
When asked whether he would invite or welcome Trump to Scotland, Swinney said: "If the president of the United States decides to come to Scotland, I will of course welcome him.
"That's my duty as First Minister, I've got to do that to make sure that Scotland's approach is appropriate and that we are asserting and protecting our own interests.
"Obviously, that will underpin the approach that we take forward in our engagement with the United States government to make sure that we're promoting and asserting the interests of Scotland."
Swinney also doubled-down on his congratulations after being asked whether he was disappointed that Harris had lost.
He said: "It's important that we recognise the democratic outcome of that election. Scotland enjoys social, economic, and cultural ties with the United States and we will take those forward on the basis of respect, and the values of freedom and democracy which underpins Scottish and American society."
Swinney added that it was "important that politicians set out their views when they are asked questions" in response to being asked if he was concerned about Trump supporting Reform UK in the 2026 Holyrood elections.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attended one of Trump's rallies this week where the president-elect called him a "good friend".
Swinney said: "I have to respect democracy, so I've done that today and respected the outcome of the United States election and congratulated president Trump on his election."
