Hundreds protest Trump's visit to Scotland as US president hits the golf course under heavy security
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.
In Aberdeen, Green north east Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman told the crowd of hundreds: 'We stand in solidarity not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.'
Speaking about the US president, Ms Chapman said: '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 those things, not in our name, never in our name.'
Tension brewed at the edge of the rally during the final speech as a passer-by appearing to argue with protesters wearing Palestinian colours; police intervened and led the individual away.
As speeches ended, chants of 'Trump Trump Trump, out out out' could be heard, along with 'Donald, Donald, hear us shout, all of Scotland wants you out'.
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.
The first minister was criticised for announcing public money of £180,000 would support a tournament at the Trump International golf links in Aberdeenshire.
The 2025 Nexo Championship – previously known as the Scottish Championship – is set to take place there next month,.
Mr Swinney said: 'The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.'
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie likened Mr Swinney's announcement to 'handing some pocket money to the school bully basically with £180,000 to support a golf tournament at the Menie estate'.
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.'
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