US President Donald Trump spent Saturday playing golf on the first full day of his visit to Scotland. Meanwhile, protests were being organised across the country.
Trump left his Turnberry resort with his son Eric and acknowledged photographers after arriving on Friday evening.
His arrival turned the usually quiet area of southwest Scotland into a highly secured zone. Several roads were closed, and police set up checkpoints.
Officers patrolled the famous golf course which has hosted four men’s British Opens along with the nearby beaches and dunes. Some were on quad bikes or horses, others on foot with sniffer dogs.
The 79-year-old president landed on Friday at nearby Prestwick Airport. Hundreds gathered to watch Air Force One and catch a glimpse of him.
Trump has often expressed fondness for Scotland, where his mother was born. However, his politics and business interests in the country have led to mixed feelings.
On the tarmac, Trump spoke about irregular migration in Europe. He said, “You better get your act together or you’re not going to have Europe anymore.” He added that it was “killing” the continent.
His five-day visit divided local opinion.
Retiree Graham Hodgson told AFP, “Many don’t trust Trump, and I’m one of them. I think he is full of himself. His tariff policies are causing disruption globally. While he aims to prioritise America, the country is also feeling the effects.”
Supporters were also at Prestwick Airport. A boy held a sign saying “Welcome Trump” and a man waved a flag with Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again”.
Lee McLean, 46, who travelled from nearby Kilmarnock, said, “Trump is not a career politician, yet he is the most powerful man in the world. He seems to focus on his country’s interests. Many politicians should do the same before looking abroad.”
Upcoming meetings and planned protests
Police launched a major security operation ahead of the visit. The Stop Trump Coalition announced protests for Saturday near the US consulate in Edinburgh and another in Aberdeen, where Trump owns another golf resort.
Authorities are also watching for any protests near Turnberry.
Trump has no public events scheduled for Saturday. On Sunday, he will discuss trade with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
