As the man at the helm of a company that deals with more than £300bn worth of global assets, Martin Gilbert has already stated that his firm, Aberdeen Asset Management, will take a neutral stance in the fevered build-up to the referendum.
In a golfing sense, though, he'll continue to give Alex Salmond, the First Minister, a thumbs up.
From the amateur game, through to sponsorship of touring professionals and the backing of both the men's and women's Scottish Opens, golf-daft Gilbert and his colleagues continue to play a major part in the development of the game in this country. The financial alliance between AAM and the Scottish Government, which essentially saved the Scottish Open after Barclays withdrew their investment, remains the jewel in this crown of support.
"He [Salmond] was the one who got us in to the Scottish Open," reflected Gilbert, of an event that is one of the most lucrative on the European Tour and became the circuit's first regular event to be screened live on the money-spinning US network. It also commands that much-sought-after slot in the schedule the week before the Open. "He is mad keen on golf and we have taken it on from there," added Gilbert. "Without his financial support there is no doubt that the Scottish Open would have gone because I believe Hugo Boss wanted it [the slot on the calendar] and wanted to move it into Sweden. Alex Salmond has done a great job in making sure that didn't happen."
The well-publicised spat between Salmond and Donald Trump has certainly not been an example of genteel, golfing etiquette but Gilbert is confident the warring factions can reach something of a ceasefire. The event having been staged at Royal Aberdeen in July, next season's Scottish Open will head for Gullane and Gilbert has made no secret of his desire to see the event stop off at Trump's highly acclaimed links at Menie as the championship continues its roll around the country.
"We are all very proud of Royal Aberdeen," added Gilbert. "But you've got to give credit to Trump because he has made Aberdeen almost a destination for golf. Okay, people have different opinions on him but I have to say I've never seen anything like the Trump course at Menie. I'd be surprised if they [Salmond and Trump] don't patch it up. Donald is a businessman, and he's aware that it would be better and much easier for everyone if we could take it [the Scottish Open] there. I suspect they'll get over their spat."
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