Donald Trump invited to visit Edinburgh mosques

MUSLIM leaders have invited Donald Trump to visit Capital mosques when he travels to the country to open his new golf course later this month.
Donald Trump has been invited to visit mosques in the Capital. Picture: AP/Mary AltafferDonald Trump has been invited to visit mosques in the Capital. Picture: AP/Mary Altaffer
Donald Trump has been invited to visit mosques in the Capital. Picture: AP/Mary Altaffer

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee attracted widespread criticism when he called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the US.

The billionaire is due to fly into Scotland later this month to relaunch his Turnberry golf course and hotel in South Ayrshire after it underwent a £200 million revamp.

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Hafiz Ghafoor, of Annandale Mosque, and Munawar Hussain, secretary of Roxburgh Street Mosque and Islamic Centre, have now invited Mr Trump to learn more about Muslims during his visit to Scotland.

In a statement, they said: “Donald Trump aspires to lead the free world but his run for the White House has been rooted in ignorance and intolerance.

“Muslims in Scotland and elsewhere are working together with people of all faiths to build understanding and peace across the world, and tackle extremism.

“Before he makes another inflammatory speech, Mr Trump should learn more about the Muslims that he offends almost every time he opens his mouth.

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“We would welcome the opportunity to show him the work that we are doing in the community in Edinburgh when he comes to Scotland later this month.”

Mr Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims followed the San Bernardino, California terrorist attack last December. A Muslim couple targeted a health centre in the city, killing 14 people.

Mr Trump’s comments prompted calls from Scottish politicians for the would-be US president to be banned from entering Britain. He is due to arrive in Scotland the day before the European Union referendum on June 23 and is expected to face protests while in the country.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “Muslims are our friends, colleagues, family and neighbours. When he insults them in such a grotesque manner, he insults us all.

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“I have been in touch with Muslim community leaders in Edinburgh. He should come and meet some of those he wants to ban from America when he visits Scotland later this month.

“He can see first-hand the work that they are doing to help marginalised groups like the homeless and then try to justify his outlandish claims.”