FIRST Minister John Swinney's support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential election has been slammed as "insulting" by a boss of Trump International.

John Swinney urged American voters to back the current Vice President in the November 5 election, as she faces off against Donald Trump for the White House.

Trump International, which runs the Turnberry course on the South Ayrshire Coast, said Swinney's support for Harris was "appalling" due to Trump's investment in Scotland.

Sarah Malone, of 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.

"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."

Donald Trump handed over control of Turnberry to his sons just before he became president in 2017, but still retains a financial interest in the resort.

Speaking to reporters at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, John Swinney said: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris.

"And I’ve not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”