Ex-Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon in secret Scotland visit

Steve Bannon, the controversial former chief adviser to US President Donald Trump, made a secret visit to Scotland to address a think-tank last week, it has been revealed.

Mr Bannon, who has been accused of promoting far-right and white nationalist views from within the White House, was invited to appear at an event organised by the Scotland International Ltd Group on Friday.

The notorious former Trump aide was pictured during the event at the five-star Gleneagles Hotel alongside Scotland International chairman, Angus Grossart. The think-tank organises an annual gathering of Scottish business leaders and influencers.

A source told a newspaper that attendees "didn't hold back" in disagreeing with Mr Bannon's views. Until August, he served as White House senior counsel, and rose to prominence as one of the founders of controversial right-wing website Breitbart.

Mr Bannon is reported to have taken part in a Q&A session in which he defended President Trump's retweeting of anti-Muslim videos posted by the far-right Britain First group.

Labour MSP James Kelly said: "Both the UK and Scottish Government's should be doing everything they can to ensure merchants of hate are not allowed a market in Britain.

"Bannon's hateful views have no place in civilised society. Bannon should not be given a platform, however small, to air similar views."

Mr Bannon is also reported to have met leading Conservative backbench MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who told the Andrew Marr Show that the US President's state visit should go ahead despite his promotion of far-right anti-Muslim views.