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Scots revealed to be biggest Trump fans in western Europe

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

In a rather surprising development, it transpires that Scottish people are Donald Trump’s biggest fans in Europe. A Norstat poll for the Times has revealed that support for the US presidential candidate is higher north of the border than in the rest of the UK – and indeed western Europe. Who’d have thought it, eh?

According to the survey, a quarter of Scottish adults back the former president for the win this week – while, of the rest of the country, just 16 per cent would throw their weight behind the ex-businessman. Italy is closest behind the Scots in terms of Trump hype, with 24 per cent of Italians hoping the Republican candidate sees victory. Meanwhile 17 per cent of Spaniards back Trump, while the ex-president has the support of 15 per cent in France, 14 per cent in Germany, 13 per cent in Sweden – and just 7 per cent in Denmark. How very interesting.

Mr S reckons the presidential candidate would be rather pleased to hear of his support among Scots given the pride he has for his Scottish links. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born on the Isle of Lewis and the US presidential hopeful currently owns one golf club north of the border with big plans to build another in Aberdeenshire next year. Not that the SNP government will be quite as thrilled about the stats – given just last week Trump waded into the independence debate by proclaiming about the Union: ‘I hope it stays together. I hope it always stays together.’ Cover your ears, Nats…

More than that, First Minister John Swinney’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris last week sparked outrage across the country, and even prompted Trump to label the move an ‘insult’. It seems it was a rather controversial choice among separatist supporters too – given today’s Norstat poll has revealed almost a fifth of SNP voters hope the Republican soars to victory. There are now just days to go before the result is announced and America meets its new president. Tick tock…

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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