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Hundreds of protesters gathered in Edinburgh and Aberdeen to voice their opposition to US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland.
Demonstrators waved anti-Trump slogans objecting to his five-day trip to the country, while others brought ‘free Gaza’ signs and Palestinian flags. The support for the war-torn enclave comes after the president said on Friday that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state ‘doesn’t matter’.
Mr Trump, meanwhile, took to the golf course on the first full day of his visit, playing at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire under the watchful eye of heavy security.
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US President Donald Trump in a golf cart at his Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire (PA Wire)
The army, navy and counter-terrorism police were all present at Turnberry to complete security checks on the course with police snipers on standby in scaffolding set up nearby.
Sniffer dogs were seen patrolling the golf course, with the navy carrying out sweeps in the water beside the seaside course, while Army vehicles were spotted on the nearby A77 road.
Mr Trump blared “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, “Memory” by Elaine Paige and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel as he drove his golf caddie around.
The president flew into Scotland on Friday night, and after touching down at the nearby Prestwick Airport headed for the golf resort, which he bought in 2014.
Road closures were put in place by police with limited access for locals and members of the media. A large number of police and military personnel were spotted searching the grounds on Saturday morning ahead of Mr Trump’s game.
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Hundreds of protesters brought anti-Trump signs (Nick Forbes/PA Wire)
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Many also brought Palestinian flags to show support for Gaza (Nick Forbes/PA Wire)
Protesters who attended the demonstrations on Saturday insisted that Mr Trump is “not welcome here”. First Minister John Swinney, set to meet with the president during his time in Scotland, has urged people to protest “peacefully and within the law”.
Access to the US consulate in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, was blocked since 7am Saturday ahead of the protest there, which started at midday and saw hundreds of people gather.
In Aberdeen, Green north east Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman told the crowd: “We stand in solidarity not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.”
“He believes that climate change isn’t real, he believes that cutting services for those in the world with the least is the right thing to do.
“We say no to all of those things, not in our name, never in our name.”
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The security at Trump’s course was heavy
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The president is known for his love of the game (Robert Perry/PA Wire)
Tension brewed at the edge of the rally during the final speech when a passer-by appeared to argue with protesters wearing Palestinian colours. Police intervened and led the individual away.
As speeches ended, chants of “Trump Trump Trump, out out out” could be heard, along with “Donald, Donald, hear us shout, all of Scotland wants you out”.
Police Scotland asked for support from others across the UK to bolster officer numbers with organisations representing senior officers and the rank-and-file claiming there is likely to be an impact on policing across the country for the duration of the visit.
Some 1,500 police officers have been redeployed across England and Wales for Mr Trump’s private visit following concerns from police that the trip would “undoubtedly stretch” police resources.
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Anti-Trump protesters have gathered in Edinburgh (REUTERS)
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Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening (REUTERS)
Scotland’s first minister faced criticism himself on Saturday, after announcing £180,000 of public money would support a tournament at the Trump International golf links in Aberdeenshire.
The 2025 Nexo Championship – previously known as the Scottish Championship – is set to take place there next month.
Mr Swinney said: “The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.”
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie likened Mr Swinney’s announcement to “handing some pocket money to the school bully basically with £180,000 to support a golf tournament at the Menie estate”.
While the president was expected to spend much of his first day in Scotland on his course, Mr Trump has meetings scheduled with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.