Donald Trump’s Scottish castle took center stage during his civil court case in Manhattan this week.
The New York State lawyer, Kevin Wallace, didn’t hold back when he grilled Trump about any construction ventures in Aberdeen, Scotland between 2013 and 2014 — a period when the value of his property in the highlands saw a substantial surge.
“You did not build a hotel at Aberdeen?” Wallace inquired.
“Because I didn’t want to. I have a castle. At some point, I’ll go there and build, maybe,” said Trump.
Trump continued with his trademark confidence: “I’m not looking to build right now. I’m doing other things right now. I just want to sit with it. It’s called an investment.”
Before his presidential stint, the former commander in chief invested millions into not one, but two “lavish” Scottish golf courses: Menie in Aberdeenshire and Turnberry in Ayrshire.
The lawsuit, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses Trump of “vastly overstating the value” of undeveloped land and “improperly and materially inflated the value of the golf course” at the Aberdeenshire resort.
The lawsuit also claims the firm produced “materially false and misleading valuations” for the Turnberry resort.
In response, a lawyer for Trump said, “absolutely no wrongdoing has taken place” and accused James of “unchecked abuse of authority.”
Trump made a noteworthy visit to Turnberry this year, a property he purchased in 2014 from a Dubai-based company, with grand plans of pouring $260 million into its transformation.
In 2006, Trump made his first power move in Scotland by acquiring a 570-acre plot of land at Menie, nestled by the North Sea coast, where he envisioned creating “the world’s best golf course.”
Two years later, the Scottish Government granted the Trump Organization planning permission for this Aberdeenshire resort, with Aberdeen Live estimating the cost at a whopping $1.3 billion.
Trump’s return to the United Kingdom this year was a much-anticipated event — his first trip since 2019.
Back in May, he descended upon Aberdeen Airport, where he received a royal welcome fit for a king. “Two pipers, a red carpet, and a 10-vehicle motorcade” greeted him, according to the BBC.
“It’s great to be home; this was the home of my mother,” he said. “My mother was an incredible woman who loved Scotland. She returned here every year, and she loved the Queen. I love Scotland just as much.”
To honor his mother, Trump announced plans for a second golf course on the Menie Estate at Balmedie at the time, which would be dedicated to her memory and “host many great championships” in the future.
A source told The Post his Scotland properties were among his “most beloved.”
Nestled amid the Scottish countryside in the heart of the Trump Estate, Aberdeenshire’s luxe Trump MacLeod House & Lodge castle has been turned into a hotel.
This former baronial mansion and hunting lodge dating back to the 15th century offers 18 rooms and suites, set amid mature woodland.
Pegged as a “golfer’s paradise,” it’s located near the Trump International Golf Links course. But the real gem is the Clavis Whisky Bar, boasting an extensive selection of over 200 Scottish and international rare malt sips. After exploring the Aberdeenshire coast with its stunning beach dunes, you can cozy up by the wood fires in the lodge.
This property features a rich history, secret stairways, period features and open log fires.
Surrounded by meadows, water features and sand dunes, guests have the opportunity to enjoy woodland walks, classic outdoor activities, chef’s dining and views of the northeast coastline.
A short walk away is the championship links golf course, designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree, along with a 22-acre driving range and practice facilities.
In the latest update to the civil trial, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump took the stand on Wednesday.
The case has already been decided by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, a democrat, who ruled even before the trial that Trump and the other defendants were liable for fraud. The trial is also proceeding without a jury.
Real Estate – Latest NYC, US & Celebrity News
