U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in Scotland for a four-day private trip, landing at Prestwick Airport late Friday. Greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, Trump expressed enthusiasm, calling it “great to be in Scotland.”
His motorcade, featuring over two dozen vehicles, swiftly headed to his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire. A small group of protesters watched as his armored limousine, “The Beast,” entered the property.
Therefore, Trump arrives in Scotland ahead of scheduled meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. Praising Starmer, Trump said, “He’s a good man,” and commended the recent UK-U.S. trade deal.
Swinney, meanwhile, vowed to “speak out for Scotland” during their discussion, addressing trade, investment, and international concerns like Gaza.
On Sunday, Trump will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss transatlantic trade. He departs Tuesday but returns in September for an official state visit.
Trump plans to play golf at Turnberry before heading to Aberdeenshire to open a new course at Menie. He credited late actor Sean Connery for helping secure permits, saying, “If it weren’t for Sean Connery, we wouldn’t have those great courses.”
However, his visit hasn’t been without controversy. Protests are expected in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with demonstrators opposing his policies.
A major security operation is underway, with road closures, checkpoints, and officers from multiple UK forces deployed. Police Scotland has also restricted airspace near Turnberry after a 2018 incident where a paraglider breached security.
Speaking to reporters, Trump criticized European energy and immigration policies, urging leaders to “stop the windmills” and “get your act together” on migration.
He called wind turbines environmentally harmful and reiterated his opposition to offshore wind farms near his Aberdeenshire course. On migration, he claimed, “This immigration is killing Europe,” comparing it to an “invasion.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended Trump’s visit, calling it in the “national interest” due to the new trade deal benefiting Scotch whisky and defense sectors.
Visits by sitting U.S. presidents to Scotland are rare. Only four have come this century George W. Bush, Joe Biden, and Trump twice before. Trump’s Scottish roots (his mother was born on the Isle of Lewis) add a personal dimension to the trip.
As Trump arrives in Scotland, all eyes are on his engagements with world leaders and the public response. With high security and planned demonstrations, his stay promises to be eventful.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
