US military choppers spotted over Scots city ahead of Trump visit
US military aircraft have been spotted flying over Aberdeen as preparations ramp up for Donald Trump's return to Scotland later this week.
The former US President is expected to touch down in the north-east to unveil a second golf course at his Balmedie resort and meet with both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney during the high-profile visit.
Locals were left stunned on Tuesday afternoon as a fleet of Chinook helicopters flew over Torry Battery and Aberdeen Harbour.
The helicopters - believed to be part of the advance security detail - later landed at Aberdeen Airport. Flight tracking data shows they travelled from Cambridge and arrived in the Granite City around 12.30pm.
While Trump's exact schedule remains under wraps, a major security operation is already underway, with Police Scotland warning of mass protests and the biggest police deployment since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Officers are bracing for demonstrations in Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh, mirroring the widespread backlash seen during Trump's first term in office.
Meanwhile, the Sand Bothy in Balmedie has announced it will be closed to the public from July 28 to 30 due to "access restrictions".
In a statement, the volunteer-run group said: 'We understand this may cause inconvenience for some. We truly appreciate your patience and continued support.
"We have received no additional information beyond what has already been publicly shared and are therefore unable to comment on the nature or details of the visit."
The timing of the closure has sparked speculation Trump may head to Turnberry in Ayrshire first, before making his way north later in the week.
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Police Scotland confirmed they will draw on mutual aid from other forces across the UK for the operation - codenamed Operation Roll - with insiders saying hundreds, if not thousands, of officers will be involved.
The force's entire team of police liaison officers is expected to be deployed for the visit.
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