Nicola Sturgeon to write congratulatory letter to Donald Trump

Nicola Sturgeon is to write a letter to Donald Trump congratulating him on his victory in the US elections.

Reservations: Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

Scotland on Sunday understands that the First Minister’s letter will concentrate on the positive aspects of Scotland’s relationship with America rather than her own reservations about the president-elect’s character. Sturgeon will also write to the defeated candidate, Hillary Clinton, offering her condolences and commending her for her work for women’s equality.

During the US election, Sturgeon made clear her preference for Clinton and condemned Trump for his “deeply abhorrent” views.

Last week she indicated that she would be prepared to meet Trump, but said she wasn’t prepared to be a “politician that maintains a diplomatic silence in the face of attitudes of racism, sexism, misogyny or intolerance”.

Other leading Scottish politicians have been vociferous in their criticism of the president-elect. Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said Trump was “responsible for a hate-filled campaign” that was dominated by “lies, misogyny and racism”.

The Green co-leader Patrick Harvie urged Sturgeon not to welcome Trump to Scotland, describing him as a “racist, sexist bully”.

Last night Trump’s counsel and vice president of the Trump Organization, George Sorial, said Sturgeon’s letter would be “a very smart move that would be very well received”.

Sorial added: “We all know that positions are taken and words are spoken during the heat of the campaign that don’t necessarily reflect the reality that sets in when a new government is formed. I think some of the comments that were made by certain politicians, in retrospect, were foolish and reckless.

“But they can be overcome and I don’t think that any individuals will do anything to harm the centuries of strong relations between our two great countries. I can’t imagine anyone interfering with that strong bond between Scotland and the United States.”