In an exclusive column for the Press and Journal in April, Donald Trump, now President-elect, spoke of how his experiences in Scotland would help him win the White House.
The Republican nominee and prominent north-east business figure revealed how his efforts to win over the people of Aberdeenshire provided him with the perfect trial run for American voters.
“Let’s just say I have had some experiences and lessons learned in Scotland that have helped my current status politically,” Mr Trump wrote.
“When I first arrived on the scene in Aberdeen, the people of Scotland were testing me to see just how serious I was – just like the citizens in the United States have done about my race for the White House.
“I had to win them over – I had to convince them that I meant business and that I had their best interests in mind.
“Well, Scotland has already been won – and so will the United States.”
Today, Mr Trump swept to a shock electoral victory over rival Hillary Clinton, despite almost every major poll backing the Democratic nominee for success.
He claims he was not taken seriously when he first announced his desire to run for the White House in 2015 and says he experienced similar scepticism when revealed his plans for the Menie development a decade ago.
He said: “People laughed when they saw what I had planned for these spectacular 1,400 acres, and wasted no time in telling me I’d never ever get approvals to go ahead. Never ever.
“For those who know me, this was a challenge I welcomed.”
Mr Trump said the “tide turned” for him in the north-east after hiring some of the world’s leading experts to advise him on the environmental concerns.
“In Scotland, we worked together for the best results possible. The results have been spectacular,” he said.
“The course has been touted as the greatest links course in the world.I wish I could say the same about the state of affairs in the United States.
“But that’s one reason I have been so determined in my quest for the Presidency – I know I can produce results, I know I can make a difference.
“I know it won’t be easy, but Scotland wasn’t easy either!
There’s a stubborn streak in me that I inherited, and I am grateful for that. That’s what produces winners. As Scots, I think you will have to agree with me.”
MORE: Donald Trump’s exclusive P&J column in full: ‘How Scotland will help me become president’