Donald Trump handed mosques invite by Muslim leaders

Muslim leaders have invited Donald Trump to visit Scottish mosques when he travels to the country to open his new golf course later this month.

The presumptive Republican 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 a £200 million revamp.

A statement reported in the Herald newspaper from Hafiz Ghafoor, of Annandale Mosque, and Munawar Hussain, secretary of Roxburgh Street Mosque and Islamic Centre, both in Edinburgh, invited Mr Trump to learn more about Muslims during his visit.

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

"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.

"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 terrorist attack in December 2015.

A Muslim couple, believed to have been radicalised, targeted a health centre in the Californian city, killing 14 people.

His 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 EU referendum on June 23 and is expected to face demonstrations and 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.

"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."