Donald Trump is set to make a private visit to Scotland this week and here is everything we know about the trip so far, including the reason for the visit, who will be meeting him, and what security measures will be in place.
President Trump is expected to visit both his golf resorts during his visit to Scotland this month(Image: Robert Perry/Getty Images)
Donald Trump is gearing up for a four-day “private” sojourn in Scotland this Friday, ahead of his official state visit slated for September.
The US President’s touchdown marks his inaugural UK visit since clinching the 2024 Presidential Election.
During his stay, he’s scheduled to engage with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney, alongside visits to his golf resorts at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire, as per BBC reports.
Here’s everything we know about Trump’s Scottish trip:
Why is Trump jetting off to Scotland?
The primary motive behind Trump’s Scottish getaway is his passion for golf and to check in on his two courses – Trump International at Menie, inaugurated in 2012, and Trump Turnberry, acquired in 2014.
Donald Trump won’t just be playing golf…(Image: Getty Images)
His previous jaunt to these courses was in 2023, although he’s no stranger to frequent visits over time.
Trump has often expressed his fondness for Scotland, attributing it to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, hailing from near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
When will President Trump land in Scotland?
The president is set to land on Friday and depart for the US on Tuesday, July 29.
While his itinerary remains under wraps, it’s anticipated that he’ll spend the bulk of his time at Turnberry and Menie.
His subsequent formal state visit is pencilled in from September 17 to 19, promising a more ceremonial vibe where he and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle.
Trump Turnberry(Image: PA.)Who will be meeting with President Trump in Scotland?
The US President is set to meet with the Prime Minister in Aberdeen on Monday, his White House press secretary has announced, to “refine the great trade deal that was brokered between the United States and the United Kingdom”.
However, Downing Street has yet to confirm the meeting’s specifics, including the venue.
First Minister John Swinney revealed he chose to meet Trump during his visit to “promote the interests of Scotland” and to discuss matters including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the imposition of tariffs on products such as Scotch whisky.
What will security be like?
The presidential convoy is transported in advance of the visit by United States Air Force transport aircraft. This includes two identical limousines and more than 20 additional security and communications vehicles.
Trump with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in February this year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Trump will travel in Cadillac One – an armoured, high-powered enhanced limousine dubbed “The Beast” – accompanied by a heightened police presence.
More than 6,300 UK police officers were deployed at a cost to London’s Metropolitan Police of £3.4m during his previous state visit in June 2019. An earlier four-day working visit in 2018 cost over £14.2m.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has expressed concerns about what the Trump visit will mean for its members amid ongoing police complaints about force spending. Earlier this month, Police Scotland confirmed they were gearing up for a presidential visit, with the Scottish government stating it had been collaborating with the national force to establish plans.
It’s anticipated that thousands of officers will be deployed as part of the security operation.
Will there be protests?
During his last presidential visit in 2018, thousands took to the streets in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to protest. He was also met with boos from demonstrators along the perimeter at Turnberry during an afternoon round of golf.
A paraglider even flew over the hotel brandishing a banner criticising the president.
Earlier this year, his Turnberry golf course was defaced with pro-Palestine messages.
More protests are predicted for this visit. However, Police Scotland have assured they have the resources to handle whatever the visit entails.