Inside Donald Trump's first full day in Scotland as president watched by gun cops during golf
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
DONALD Trump teed off at Turnberry today amid a massive security operation — as protests across the country fell below par.
The US President hit the fairway flanked by Secret Service agents just before 10am watched by gun cops on the luxury hotel's roof and a helicopter patrolling the skies.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
Donald Trump tee'd off at Turnberry this morning
Credit: Tom Farmer
6
Hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Edinburgh and Aberdeen
Credit: Getty
6
The US President was joined by his son Eric as he waved for the cameras on his famed Ailsa course
Credit: Tom Farmer
6
Snipers were positioned on a platform on the edge of the course
Credit: Tom Farmer
6
Stop Trump Scotland protest at the Union Terrace Gardens in AberdeenC
Credit: PA
6
Soldiers searched the first green at the Trump Turnberry course
Credit: Getty
The major land, sea and air mission saw soldiers sweep the Ayrshire links for threats as officers guarded the beach, course and perimeter of the five-star resort.
But despite the pleas of First Minister John Swinney for protesters to 'do Scotland proud', anti-Trump demonstrations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen drew just a couple of hundred supporters.
And in Glasgow there was no sign of rallies as the expected furore passed without incident.
There were also no protesters near Turnberry as the Republican chief led a convoy between holes in his own buggy.
Before Mr Trump headed out for his round, soldiers and police with sniffer dogs scoured the rough and bushes around the course.
Only fans and well-wishers could be seen but they were not allowed anywhere near Mr Trump.
One couple travelled around 240 miles from Liverpool to show their support for the US leader.
They wore red 'Make England Great Again' caps.
Meanwhile, a so-called 'festival of resistance' organised to protest against the President's visit failed to materialise across the country.
Cops had been braced for mass rallies after Mr Swinney urged people to 'demonstrate lawfully'.
First look at Donald Trump's armoured motorcade 'the Beast' as President whisked off to Turnberry
But only small pockets of anti-Trump activists turned out.
Demonstrators at a cordoned-off US Consulate in Edinburgh waved placards with slogans including 'Scotland hates Trump'.
One activist held up a sign emblazoned with 'Janey was right', in reference to late comedian Janey Godley's 'Trump's a c***' demo at Turnberry in 2018.
Julie-Ann Laidlaw, 39, said: 'Janey called it right years ago. I know if she was still here, she would have been beside us.
'She's not, so I felt it was important to come here and spread her message. Everybody I know is embarrassed that Trump's mum is from Scotland. He's not welcome.'
As dozens of police stood guard, the crowd joined in pro-Palestine chants and also sang: 'Donald Trump we know you, you're racist through and through'.
Another campaigner said: 'Trump does not represent the values of Scotland. He is leading a slide to authoritarianism, which threatens a descent into fascism around the world.
"He's lobbied against the green agenda in Scotland and even tried to evict people to make way for his developments.
'Who does he think he is? Trump is not going to win. Trump is not welcome here.'
New Jersey native Danielle Solof, 41, is in the capital for her one-woman dark comedy Edinburgh Fringe show Freedom Camp which tells how she abandoned her dream of becoming a US diplomat.
She said: 'I wanted to spread the message of peace, justice and freedom — the cornerstones of American democracy.
'But learning more about US foreign policy and the situations we put people in made me rethink things. Trump embodies the shadowy side of America. He's a cancer on society, which has metastasised.'
Swinney rapped on £180k golf 'aid'
By Paul Rodger
JOHN Swinney has been accused of hypocrisy after the Scottish Government handed over £180,000 to a tournament at one of Donald Trump's Scottish courses.
The US President's five-star Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire is to host the Nexo Championship next month.
First Minister Swinney is backing the DP World Tour event at Trump International Golf Links.
The Scottish Government said 'advanced negotiations' are underway to secure backing from its tourism organisation, VisitScotland — with £180,000 of public cash.
Mr Swinney is expected to meet Mr Trump but previously called for his September state visit to be cancelled.
And Scottish Tory Murdo Fraser said: 'John Swinney disgracefully condemned President Trump's State Visit.
'Now his government is giving money to his golf course. Many will see it as a hypocritical.
Mr Swinney said: 'I am proud this funding will enhance Aberdeenshire's reputation as a leading golfing destination.'
Danielle was joined at the protest by pal Nicole Inportico, 47, who moved from New Jersey to Edinburgh six years ago.
Carrying a 'Nae Trump' placard, she said: 'Common decency and humanity are being replaced by individualism and a horrible nationalism under Trump. '
'When I go home, I think people don't realise what's going on outside the country and how people perceive us. Sometimes I want to slap a Canadian flag on my backpack so nobody knows where I'm from.'
In Aberdeen, around 200 protesters gathered. One activist wore a large papier-mâche head of the US President, while placards read: 'Stop Trump, Stop The Far Right', and 'Trump is a Fascist'.
Green MSP Maggie Chapman told demonstrators: 'We stand in solidarity not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.
'He believes that climate change isn't real, he believes that cutting services for those in the world with the least is the right thing to do.
'We say no to all of that, not in our name, never in our name.'
Some demonstrators held signs featuring the faces of Mr Trump and his ex-pal, the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The President's administration is facing growing calls to publish documents concerning the billionaire sex offender, who died in 2019.
Mr Trump is due to meet Mr Swinney and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where the two men will refine a trade deal between the UK and the US agreed earlier this year.
The president is also expected to talk trade with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tomorrow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
3 things Donald Trump and Keir Starmer will discuss at Scotland meeting - and 1 they won't
It'll be Keir Starmer's turn for an audience with the US President during his golf holiday to Scotland - here's what we think will be on the agenda Donald Trump and Keir Starmer will sit down for a cosy chat at his golf course in Scotland on Monday - as the US President continues his golf holiday. Trump has been seen swanning around his Turnberry resort since arriving on Friday, in a motorcade of more than two dozen golf carts. Tonight, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen will arrive at the South Ayrshire resort for an audience with him - in a last ditch bid to secure a trade deal for the EU. Trump this morning put the chances of that happening at 50-50. And tomorrow it'll be Mr Starmer's turn - but what will be on the agenda when the pair sit down for their meeting? Here's three things they'll definitely talk about - plus one they almost certainly won't. Trade Trump and Starmer will chew over some of the finer details of the trade deal they agreed in May. The White House has indicated the two leaders would discuss ways to "refine" the deal when they meet in Scotland. But on arriving at Prestwick airport on Friday, Trump seemed to indicate he considered the deal finalised and settled. "I think it's more of a celebration than a workout," he said. "It's a great deal for both, and we're going to have a meeting on other things, other than the deal. The deal is concluded." UK negotiators, on the other hand, are kind of hoping things aren't quite that final. And with Trump inking a deal with the EU worth more than £1 trillion, possibly even avoiding the 10% flat tariff we're still paying on goods sold to the US, we imagine it'll "The UK was the first country to agree a deal with the US that lowered tariffs on key sectors and has received one of the lowest reciprocal tariff rates in the world," a No10 spokesperson said. "The Government is working at pace with the US to go further to deliver benefits to working people on both sides of the Atlantic and to give UK industry the security it needs, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people's pockets through the Plan for Change." Gaza A Number 10 spokesperson said they'll discuss "what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long". Ceasefire talks ground to a halt this week after the US and Israel pulled their negotiating teams from Qatar. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of a "lack of desire" to reach an agreement. Mr Starmer is expected to praise Trump on his country's work with Qatar and Egypt towards a ceasefire - and press him to help revive talks. Ukraine Securing peace in Ukraine will also be high on the agenda, Number 10 say. The PM and President will talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the war - and will reflect on progress in their 50-day plan to arm Ukraine and pressure Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. Get Donald Trump updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the world attempts to keep up with Trump's antics, the Mirror has launched its very own US Politics WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news from across the pond. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. And they almost certainly won't talk about... Jeffrey Epstein Donald Trump has gone to great lengths to get people to talk about literally anything other than the questions about his relationship with dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in recent weeks. And while he hasn't quite got his wish - the scandal was still the main topic of discussion on America's morning political programmes today - it's unlikely Keir Starmer will choose to poke that particular bear. On the other hand, a small group of journalists will get into an Oval Office-style spray with the PM and President before the meeting kicks off in the morning - and perhaps someone will bring it up.
Leader Live
14 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Military pause not enough to ease Gaza suffering, Lammy warns
The Foreign Secretary welcomed the resumption of humanitarian corridors in the enclave but called for access to supplies to be 'urgently' widened over the coming hours and days. He said Israel's announcement that it would suspend fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day and open secure routes for aid delivery to desperate Palestinians was 'essential but long overdue.' 'This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza,' the Foreign Secretary said in a statement on Sunday. 'We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered. 'Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza. 'These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.' Britain is working with Jordan to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance, with military planners deployed for further support. However, the head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency has warned that such efforts are 'a distraction' that will fail to properly address deepening starvation in the strip, and could in some cases harm civilians. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said: 'A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. 'Lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need.' On Sunday, Israel announced military pauses to enable the 'safe movement' of food and medicine to Gaza via designated UN convoys amid mounting international alarm at humanitarian conditions in the strip. Images emerging from Gaza in recent days of emaciated children have seen the country's government criticised for its conduct during the 21-month war. Food experts have warned for months of the risk of famine as Israel continued to restrict aid, which it says is because Hamas siphons off goods. Ceasefire talks between the two sides ground to a standstill this week after the US and Israel withdrew negotiating teams from Qatar, with White House special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire' to reach an agreement. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to press Donald Trump on the revival of talks as he meets the US President during his visit to Scotland on Monday. The deal under discussion was expected to include a 60-day ceasefire, and aid supplies would be ramped up as conditions for a lasting truce were brokered. Sir Keir will raise Washington's work with partners in Qatar and Egypt during his talks with Mr Trump and seek to discuss what more can be done to urgently bring about a ceasefire, it is understood. Speaking to journalists at his Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire on Sunday, Mr Trump said that the UK was 'very much involved in terms of wanting something to happen.' Asked about the prospect of restarting peace talks, he said: 'We're meeting about a lot of things… I think we're going to be discussing a lot about Israel. 'They're very much involved in terms of wanting something to happen. '(The Prime Minister) is doing a very good job, by the way.' Later in the week he will chair a Cabinet meeting, with further updates on the UK's next steps expected in the coming days as Mr Lammy prepares to attend a UN conference on a two-state solution in New York. Speaking to broadcasters on Sunday, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray acknowledged that airdrops come with 'real limits and drawbacks' but that the situation was 'desperate and urgent.' 'Until the restrictions are lifted, until aid is able to get in at the scale and quantity that is needed, we need to be doing everything we possibly can to help,' he told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips show. It comes after the Prime Minister held crisis talks with French and German counterparts on Saturday, during which Number 10 said they agreed 'it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently-needed ceasefire into lasting peace'. A Downing Street readout of the call made no mention of Palestinian statehood, which Sir Keir has faced calls to immediately recognise after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would do so in September. Some 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents have signed a letter pressuring the Government to follow suit at a UN meeting next week. The majority of those who have signed, 131, are Labour MPs. #Gaza: airdrops will not reverse the deepening starvation. They are expensive, inefficient & can even kill starving is a distraction & screensmoke. A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates & guarantee safe movements… — Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) July 26, 2025 The Government says it is a question of 'when, not if' statehood is recognised but that its immediate focus should be on getting aid into the territory. Mr Murray said on Sunday: 'As a Government, we're committed to the recognition of Palestine, but we need to work with international partners and we need to use that moment to galvanise change. 'It needs to be part of a pathway to peace.' He added: '140 countries have already recognised Palestine. 'The suffering is still continuing.' Sir Keir and Mr Trump, who is in South Ayrshire on a private visit to his Turnberry golf course, are expected to meet on Monday.
The Independent
14 minutes ago
- The Independent
Donald Trump announces trade agreement with the European Union
Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with the European Union. The agreement will cut tariff rates on imports from the EU to 15 per cent. Conversely, US exports to the EU will become tariff-free under the new arrangement. Trump made the announcement alongside European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. Further details regarding the agreement were not immediately released by the White House.
