Scotland’s First Minister backed Kamala Harris in the US presidential election.

John Swinney joked that his support wasn’t just because rival Donald Trump was against Scottish independence.

Speaking to reporters after First Minister’s Questions, the SNP leader said: “People in the United States should vote for Kamala Harris and I didn’t come to that conclusion just because Donald Trump is against Scottish independence.”

The comment referenced a recent clip of the Republican candidate on a podcast in which he reaffirmed his stance on the union.

Appearing on stage with comedian Andrew Schulz, Mr Trump discussed his heritage in Scotland, the future of the UK and the movie Braveheart.

Pointing to the 2014 independence referendum, he said: “You know, they tried to separate Scotland from the rest of the empire, so to speak.

“We did it by about half a point. They kept it together. So hopefully it stays together. I hope it always stays together.”

Scotland voted 55 percent to 45 percent to remain in the United Kingdom.

Mr Trump also spoke about his mother, Mary MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis before moving to America.

“My mom was amazing,” he said. “He was a Stornoway. Hebrides. This is some serious Scotsman indeed.

“Scottish people are tough people.

“They are good people. They are actually very wonderful people. But they are good warriors.”

Mr. Trump also spoke of his love for the blockbuster Braveheart, which he said “may have been the greatest movie I’ve ever seen.”

The billionaire owns several major golf courses in Scotland, including Balmedie near Aberdeen and the Trump Turnberry Hotel and Resort in South Ayrshire.

Americans will vote on November 5 to elect the country’s 47th president.

Polls show the fight between Mr. Trump and the current vice president, Ms. Harris, is on a knife edge.

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