26 April 2012 

Scottish Greens are accusing Alex Salmond of ducking an important question about Donald Trump during today’s First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood.

Mr Salmond failed to take up a suggestion from Green MSP Patrick Harvie to kick the US tycoon and climate change denier out of the prestigious GlobalScot network of business ambassadors.

Mr Harvie’s initial question about the proposed European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre that Mr Trump objects to was the first time Greens had been selected for First Minister’s Questions since last May’s election.

The Glasgow MSP suggested the First Minister was regretting being drawn into Mr Trump’s orbit, finding himself with a half-built carbuncle in his constituency and possible legal action against a vital site for offshore wind.

After the exchange Mr Harvie said:

“It wasn’t a surprise that the First Minister stuck up for renewables. But it was a shame he failed to recognise the continued threat from Trump to our renewables potential and the way he is tarnishing Scotland’s reputation.

“This was a perfect opportunity for Mr Salmond to take a proper stand against a rich American windbag but he ducked it.”