John Swinney endorses Kamala Harris in US presidential election

Scotland’s First Minister has endorsed Kamala Harris in the US presidential election.

John Swinney joked that his endorsement is not just because her opponent Donald Trump is against Scottish independence.

Speaking to journalists after First Minister’s Questions, the SNP leader said: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris and I have not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”

The comment referenced a recent clip of the Republican nominee from a podcast in which he reaffirmed his position on the union.

During the appearance with comedian Andrew Schulz, Mr Trump discussed his heritage in Scotland, the future of the UK and the film Braveheart.

Pointing to the 2014 independence referendum, he said: “You know, they tried to break up Scotland from the rest of the empire, so to speak.

“It made it by about like a half a point. They kept it together. So I hope it stays together. I hope it always stays together.”

Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain in the UK.

Mr Trump also spoke about his mother Mary MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis before moving to America.

“My mother was great,” he said. “She was a Stornoway. The Hebrides. That’s, you know, that’s really serious Scottish.

“The Scottish people, they’re tough people.

“They’re good people. Actually, they’re very great people. But they’re good fighters.”

Mr Trump also spoke about his love for the blockbuster Braveheart, which he said “may be the greatest movie I’ve ever seen”.

The billionaire owns several major golf courses in Scotland, including in Balmedie, near Aberdeen and the Trump Turnberry Hotel and Resort in South Ayrshire.

Americans will vote on November 5 to elect the country’s 47th president.

Polls suggest the fight between Mr Trump and Ms Harris, the current vice-president, is on a knife edge.

Sarah Malone, executive vice president, Trump International, Scotland, said: “The Trump family has shown unwavering commitment to Scotland – pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the Scottish economy – and driving many tens of thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year.

“Around six hundred people – the majority of whom are Scottish – are employed directly by Trump businesses and many more local and national businesses thrive on supplying services to our resorts.

“It is appalling to see the First Minister, who talks of the need to encourage economic growth, insult this commitment and all the people involved in delivering world-class services here in Scotland.”