Hundreds of protesters have 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’.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump 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.
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 next to the course.
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, according to Sky News.
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 have been implemented 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 his game.
While the president is 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.
Mr Trump drew crowds to Prestwick Airport on Friday evening as Air Force One touched down ahead of his four-day visit. Scots are set to gather across the country to protest his visit over the weekend.
First Minister John Swinney, also set to meet with the president during his time in Scotland, has urged people to protest “peacefully and within the law”.
Saturday is the first major test for Police Scotland during the president’s visit, with demonstrations near the American consulate organised by the Stop Trump Coalition. They will be on alert as well for any demonstrations near the president’s golf course. Access to the US consulate in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, has been blocked since 7am ahead of the protest, which started at midday and saw hundreds of people gather.
The force has asked for support from others across the UK to bolster officer numbers with both 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.
Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said: “The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days.
“This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.”
