THE First Minister has met one of Donald Trump’s sons, just one week after saying that US president visiting Scotland would be "unthinkable" if he does not shift on Ukraine.
John Swinney held talks on Thursday with Eric Trump, the executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, which has two golf resorts in Scotland.
It came after Trump’s private jet was reported to have landed at Edinburgh Airport earlier on Thursday.
The two met at Bute House, which Eric Trump said had been the First Minister's suggestion.
The Scottish Government said the US businessman had requested the meeting.
A spokesperson said: “The First Minister welcomed Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organisation, to Bute House to discuss the contribution Trump International provides to Scotland’s economy.
“The First Minister regularly meets with business people regarding investment in Scotland.
“The meeting with Mr Trump provided an opportunity to discuss Scotland’s investment potential and the First Minister was pleased to hear about the company’s continued commitment to Scotland, in particular Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire."
It has been reported that the pair's meeting lasted around 50 minutes.
Eric Trump said no politics had been discussed.
“I’m delighted to say that it was a very warm and friendly meeting and this is the first time that a First Minister has invited us to Bute House," he said.
"The First Minister thanked me for the Trump Organization's ongoing colossal investment and commitment to Scotland. This is the first time that I’ve heard those words from the First Minister and they were hugely appreciated.
“Our discussions focused solely on the Trump Organization's commitment to creating in Trump Turnberry and Trump International in Aberdeenshire two of the most iconic golf destinations in the world.
"We did not discuss Scottish or US politics but concentrated on golf. It was a very positive and constructive meeting about business and investment.”
It comes just days after the South Ayrshire course was vandalised by pro-Palestine activists over the US president's position on Gaza.
A man was arrested in connection with vandalism and has since been released pending further enquiries.
In November, Eric Trump confirmed his father would be visiting Scotland this year for the opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire.
The US president is also set to meet with King Charles in Scotland ahead of his second official state visit.
Since the visit was announced, more than 200 petitions have been launched in opposition to the visit.
