The new Scotland?

Somehow the media managed to find out about Donald Trump's low-profile visit yesterday to his under construction "best golf course in the world", hence there's a fair bit of stuff about it in today's newspapers. But from the purely political perspective it was interesting to hear Mr Trump's remarks on last night's STV News:

We are really honoured by Alex Salmond...what he's done...just to make sure that Trump and other people come to this country, and that means jobs and it means economic development, so Alex has been fantastic and Sean Connery came out in favour early on when it wasn't in vogue, and I will always appreciate Sean, he's a great man, he's a great guy.

Gosh, wasn't the first minister supposed to have nothing to do with the planning decision, and didn't he get into trouble over suggestions of undue influence?

Of course, Mr Salmond countered these claims at the time by saying that he was only acting in his capacity as an MSP showing an interest in a matter of importance in his constituency. But Mr Trump's remarks certainly seem to suggest that his role in the granting of planning permission to build a slice of the USA in Scotland was more significant than conceded at the time.

On the other hand, 'The Donald' does seem to have a propensity to haver at times, thus also saying in the interview that the "small controversy with literally a couple of people" had helped publicise his venture, and that "the people of Aberdeen, the people of Scotland love it". Well perhaps those objecting to Trumpland are disproportionately vocal as compared to their actual strength, and the significant numbers supporting the project - if not Donald Trump per se - are maybe more inclined to keep their heads down, but Mr Trump's statement certainly exaggerates the support while understating the opposition.

But - and continuing yesterday's theme of money, power and influence in Scottish politics - it's interesting to note the juxtaposition of the first minister with Donald Trump, and with SNP supporter Sir Sean Connery thrown into the mix for good measure. Thus the wealthy tax exile and knight bachelor is here Trumped by the filthy rich rapacious capitalist American.

And even more interesting is that Mr Trump wants Sir Sean and Mr Salmond to open his shiny new golf course next year, which would neatly crystallise the juxtaposition.

Which would in turn either neatly represent the new Scotland that the first minister wants to portray and thus help pave the way to winning that independence referendum, or would represent a PR disaster for Mr Salmond and the SNP.

Thus something of a Souter-esque dilemma for the Nationalists, and indeed Telegraph readers might be forgiving for thinking that the three online articles centred around yesterday's visit are being used as a stick to beat the first minister, even though Mr Salmond's name is only mentioned once.

Or perhaps yours truly is just imagining too many conspiracy theories!