Trumped up

Calum Stewart (Letters, 26 October) tells us that the Trump golf course project has the “overwhelming support” of the local population of Aberdeenshire. That is a gross exaggeration.

Very substantial numbers 
opposed the project both on 
environmental grounds and from lack of confidence in its economic value to the region; and the pathetic kowtowing 
to Donald Trump by the local press and some (not all) 
members of the local council was a disgrace to Aberdeen and Scotland.

Derrick McClure

Rosehill Terrace

Aberdeen

The whole Trump affair has shown that Alex Salmond can claim a new title, Useful Idiot. This is not mere vulgar abuse. The term has particular resonance in political discourse.

A “useful idiot” is someone whose naivety, tendency to hero worship or gullibility can be exploited by a stronger, more devious personality to further his goals. Lenin is reported to have regarded the German Social Democrats as “useful idiots”.

Stalin held the same high opinion of George Bernard Shaw, HG Wells and the Webbs.

In calling in the legitimate planning authority’s refusal to permit Trump’s spoliation of a part of the north‑east coast, Salmond acted as Trump’s Useful Idiot.

John W Elliott

Gordon Avenue

Bishopton, Renfrewshire