The US consulate in Edinburgh, a diplomatic institution with roots stretching back to the 18th century, is facing potential closure as part of sweeping budget cuts proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration. The move, if approved, would end a 227-year-old American presence in Scotland, severing a historic link that began when the consulate first opened in Leith in 1798—just over two decades after the US Declaration of Independence.
The proposed closure comes as the Trump administration seeks to slash the US State Department’s budget by nearly half, with a reported $28–30 billion reduction planned for the next fiscal year. Documents reviewed by major media outlets indicate that Edinburgh is one of 27 diplomatic missions—including ten embassies and 17 consulates—targeted for closure as part of a broader effort to “curb spending across the federal government.”
A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed that “operations were continuing as normal,” but would not comment on the authenticity of leaked documents or the finality of the decision. “There is no final plan, final budget, final dynamic,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. “That is up to the White House and the president of the United States. What we tend to see is reporting that is early, or wrong, or based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown. It would be wise to be cautious before acting on every single element you see leading up to something as important as this budget coming in from President Trump.”
The Scottish government has voiced strong opposition to the proposed closure.
A spokesman stated: “Scotland and the United States share robust and enduring social, cultural, and economic bonds, and we will do everything possible to ensure these connections remain strong and continue to flourish.”
Former SNP MP Hannah Bardell, who previously served as the consulate’s head of protocol and events, described the potential closure as a “devastating blow” for staff, US businesses, and citizens in Scotland. “I have seen first hand the importance of its consular work and the important engagement and work it does with business, the arts, politicians and many communities,” Bardell said. “Some of the staff I worked with are still there and my heart goes out to them. The ability for communities in Scotland to connect with the US should not be compromised. I hope Scotland will unite, as it did previously when the US Consulate faced closure threats.”
Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West, also expressed concern: “There has been a US Consulate in Edinburgh since the 1700s which has sought to assist American citizens in our city, and foster relations between Scotland and the US. Trump and his colleagues are pulling up the drawbridge to the rest of the world, and hurting Americans based abroad in the process. I have written to the US Consulate to seek clarification on the reports.”
The consulate, now located on Regent Terrace since 1951, has played a vital role in supporting US citizens, notably in the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing in 1988. It has previously faced closure threats, most notably in 1995, but was saved following interventions from former presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
The final decision on the consulate’s fate will require Congressional approval. For now, the Trump administration insists that all options remain on the table as it works to finalise its budget plan.
