Police Prepare for Potential Visit by Donald Trump to Scotland

Police Scotland is preparing for a possible visit from former US President Donald Trump later this month, as he is expected to travel to his golf resort at Menie in Aberdeenshire to open a new course. Although official confirmation has not been issued, the trip would mark Trump’s first visit to Scotland since his re-election.

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond confirmed that early operational planning is underway. “While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation,” she said. The Scottish Government noted that it is working with the UK Government to support Police Scotland, and that First Minister John Swinney has been briefed.

Trump owns two properties in Scotland: Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire and the Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire. The last time he visited during his presidency in 2018, the trip triggered a large-scale security deployment, with thousands protesting in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Should the visit go ahead, it is expected to require a similar level of coordination.

There will reportedly be no private audience with King Charles during this trip. However, a full state visit to the UK is anticipated later this year, most likely in September.

Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine, the party’s spokesperson on Scottish affairs, criticised the cost of security during Trump’s previous visits, calling them “some of the most expensive rounds of golf in history”. She urged that Police Scotland not be left to shoulder the burden again and suggested the visit could be used to open trade discussions and ease tariff pressures on Scottish exporters.

The Scottish Greens reiterated their longstanding opposition to any Trump visit. Co-leader Patrick Harvie stated the former president “should not be welcomed to Scotland”, branding him a “convicted felon and political extremist”. The party also renewed its call for an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) a legal measure compelling individuals to account for the source of unexplained wealth) into Trump’s Scottish business interests.

While criticism of Trump remains vocal among some political parties, there has been no formal opposition expressed by the UK or Scottish Governments. The visit is expected to proceed as a private engagement, unrelated to official diplomatic duties.

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