US Vice-President JD Vance plays at Trump golf course on first day of Scottish holiday
Vance is staying at Carnell Estates, a privately owned estate which has a 14th Century tower and 10-bedroom mansion situated on over 2,000 acres of land.His arrival at the resort on Wednesday was greeted by dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters.Police Scotland previously confirmed they had plans in place for "a significant policing operation."Airspace restrictions are in place around the estate until Sunday.Vance will reportedly spend five days in Scotland - the same amount of time his boss did during his trip to the country last month.
On Tuesday, Vance met US troops stationed at the Royal Air Force Base in Fairford, Gloucestershire, where he received a briefing on the base's capabilities.While not on official White House business, he met David Lammy for talks about Gaza and other international affairs at the foreign secretary's official residence, Chevening House, in Kent.
Earlier this year the vice-president criticised Scotland over buffer zones, which prevent demonstrations or vigils taking place close to abortion clinics.He used the new law as an example of Europe not protecting free speech and used a speech in Munich to claim "even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law".However, Vance has also described himself as a "Scots-Irish hillbilly at heart" in the past, with his ancestors having moved to the Appalachian region in the US more than three centuries ago.A Scottish government spokesperson said: "The Scottish government continues to work collaboratively with partners, including the UK government and Police Scotland, to manage the impact of a potential visit by the US Vice-President to Scotland."
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