Scottish political reaction Donald Trump's US election win

At the end of one of the most divisive elections in modern US history, the Republican candidate defeated Hillary Clinton in a race that went down to the wire.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election.

“We value our relationship with the United States and its people. The ties that bind Scotland and the US - of family, culture and business - are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.

“It is normal in any election for those on the losing side to be feel disappointment, but today, many in America and across the world, will also feel a real sense of anxiety. I hope the president-elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalized by his campaign and make clear - in deeds as well as words - that he will be a president for everyone in modern, multicultural America.

“Today must also be a moment for those who share progressive values - all of us who believe in tolerance and diversity - to speak up loudly and clearly for the values we hold dear.

“I also want to pay tribute to Hillary Clinton. While I am personally disappointed that she will not be America’s first woman president, her candidacy represented a major step forward for women in America and across the world - for that, as well as for her many years of public service, she is owed a deep debt of gratitude.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:

“It’s not the result I wanted but we now have to hope that President Trump turns out to be a different man to candidate Trump.

“Mr Trump tapped into the disaffection we are seeing across the world right now due to economic uncertainty. That’s not something we can ignore.

“Those of us who believe open, western values are the best way to provide economic security for people now have to redouble our efforts to show they deliver for people.”

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said:

“Like countless people in Scotland, the UK, and across the globe I watched with great sadness as the results from the presidential election came in.

“While we must all respect the result of this democratic contest, today is a dark day for those of us who believe in compassion, tolerance and equality.

“Donald Trump was responsible for a hate-filled campaign that was dominated by lies, misogyny and racism. As president-elect, he now has a responsibility to America and the world to heal the deep divisions he has caused.

“Across the US, there will be women, gay people and Muslims who will now be incredibly worried about the direction of their country, but there will also be countless working-class Americans who will be hurting today. They all need reassurances that I very much hope will be forthcoming from the Republican Party.

“I was a great admirer of Hillary Clinton, and campaigned for her in America so I personally feel heartbroken by this result. I believe Hillary would have been a great president - the most qualified female presidential candidate ever has been defeated by the least-qualified male candidate ever.

“But the United States and Scotland share a rich history and friendship between our people. That will not be swept away by one election result.”

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

“Hope needs to prevail in the face of the politics of division. Open, liberal, tolerant and hopeful voices must stand up and be counted.

“We do not fight fire with fire. Our job as liberals is to make sure we can always inspire people in favour of an open and tolerant society. We want a world where everyone has a fair chance to get up and get on in life and to have respect for who they are.

“We should take that message to inspire people wherever they are in the world.

“We will need to use the special relationship we have with America to influence Mr Trump and to stand up for the different minorities in his country who will wake up today more fearful than they have for decades.”

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said:

“The election of a racist, sexist bully to the White House is profoundly depressing and will be ringing alarm bells across the world. Scots have been clear in their distaste for Trump and the First Minister has echoed those feelings.

“A year ago after relentless pressure from Greens the First Minister cancelled Trump’s Global Scot ambassador status. Although Nicola Sturgeon has said the ties between Scotland and the US will endure, she must be clear that a racist, sexist bully is not welcome in Scotland even if he is US President.

“We cannot allow such a dangerous and deluded individual to have his behaviour normalised out of diplomacy. He needs to get the message from Scotland loud and clear that he will not be extended any courtesies as he has shown zero respect himself.”